Transparency International in solidarity with Transparency International – Initiative Madagascar

The Transparency International movement and our allies in the fight against corruption around the world affirm our support of our chapter Transparency International – Initiative Madagascar (TI-MG), its Executive Director Ketakandriana Rafitoson and Chair of the Board Dominique Rakotomalala as they face possible prosecution because of their work fighting corruption.

On Monday 14 November, the “Groupement des Exportateurs de Litchis” (GEL) in Madagascar filed a complaint of slander, abusive denunciation and denigration of the organisation against Rafitoson and Rakotomalala, both of whom were summoned to appear before the police for an audition about the charges. This came after the Transparency International Secretariat and TI-MG issued a joint press release about legal submissions calling for investigations in Madagascar and France into the lychee trade sector to determine whether corruption offenses have been committed.

These submissions were the result of years of robust and diligent research and contain evidence that warrants a call for investigations by anti-corruption authorities into possible abuses such as foreign bribery, laundering of proceeds and concealment of such offences. We continue to affirm that the judicial authorities of Madagascar and France must examine further and hold potential perpetrators accountable.

Daniel Eriksson, CEO of Transparency International, said:

“Transparency International – Initiative Madagascar is an apolitical and nonpartisan organisation that has been working to combat corruption in Madagascar for decades. Such civil society organisations play a critical role in holding power to account and protecting democracy around the world. They must be supported when raising sensitive issues – not attacked.

“We expect a speedy resolution in their judicial case so that our colleagues Ketakandriana Rafitoson, Dominique Rakotomalala and the whole of Transparency International – Initiative Madagascar can get back to their vital mission. We also call on authorities in Madagascar to not lose sight of the investigation into possible corruption in the lychee sector and ensure that it is conducted swiftly and without bias.”