VZCZCXRO0831
PP RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMA RUEHMR RUEHPA RUEHRN RUEHTRO
DE RUEHUJA #0525 0851520
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 261520Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5602
INFO RUEHZO/AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE
RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEHAN/AMEMBASSY ANTANANARIVO 0020
RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD 0146
RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA 1767
RUEHYD/AMEMBASSY YAOUNDE 0726
RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS 1028
RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHDC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK

UNCLAS ABUJA 000525 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA 
BAGHDAD FOR DMCCULLOUGH 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PREL NI MA
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: MADAGASCAR GOVT UNCONSTITUTIONAL 
 
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED.  NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION. 
 
¶1. (SBU) The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) 
Public Communications Department released a press statement 
on March 20 concerning the unconstitutional transfer of power 
in Madagascar from President Marc Ravalomanana to Andry 
Rajoelina, noting that the GON does not recognize the change 
in government.  The statement also affirmed Nigeria's support 
of the African Union's suspension of the new regime in 
Antananarivo.  Full text of the Press Statement follows in 
para 3. 
 
¶2. (SBU) Comment:  The GON continues to be an outspoken 
critic of unconstitutional changes in government on the 
African continent and a leader within the African Union and 
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 
promoting the principals of free elections and democracy. 
While many within Nigeria would question the GON's own 
democratic credentials, with the 2007 elections widely held 
as the worst in Nigeria's history, it is at least a step in 
the right direction that the GON is able to recognize the 
importance of democracy and elections in other countries. 
End comment. 
 
¶3.  Begin Text of Press Statement. 
 
Federal Government Condemns Military Intervention in 
Madagascar 
Press Statement 
 
The Federal Government has followed with concern the events 
in Madagascar in the past few days including the intervention 
of the Military culminating in an unconstitutional transfer 
of power from an elected government to the opposition. 
 
Nigeria does not recognize unconstitutional changes of 
government and will not accord recognition to that which has 
occurred in Madagascar.  In line with its constitutive act, 
and the Lome declaration, the African Union has suspended the 
new regime in Madagascar; Nigeria fully supports this 
position. 
 
The Federal Government calls for a return to constitutional 
order, and appeals to all parties involve din the present 
conflict to work toward that goal in Madagascar.  Government 
also calls on the international community to support the 
people of Madagascar in this difficult period to ensure 
return to constitutional democracy promptly. 
 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
Abuja 
20th March 2009 
 
End text. 
 
¶4. (U) This cable was coordinated with Consulate Lagos. 
SANDERS