The EITI Board decided on 6 June 2014 to lift the suspension of Madagascar. The suspension has been in effect since 25 October 2011 due to the coup d’état in January 2009. Following democratic elections in December 2013, President Hery Rajaonarimampianina took office on 25 January 2014 and formed a new government in April. Subsequently, the African Union, the European Union and the IMF resumed cooperation with Madagascar.
In taking its decision, the Board took note of the re-establishment of a democratically elected government. It also noted the new government’s commitment to implement the EITI Standard. The Board was satisfied that the relationships necessary for effective EITI implementation were now in place.
Clare Short, EITI Chair, congratulated stakeholders for the significant progress made during suspension, and welcomed their determination to continue implementing the EITI. She said:
"I am very pleased that Madagascar is now able to resume full membership of EITI. It is impressive to see the determination of all involved in the EITI in Madagascar. They continued to push for transparency in the extractive sector even though they were suspended from the EITI."
Providing transparency amidst political crisis
Despite political turmoil, Madagascar continued publishing revenues from its natural resources in EITI Reports during the suspension period, as recommended by the Board. The EITI National Council published its 2011 EITI Report in September 2013, facilitating the monitoring of the moratorium on the awarding of licenses.
The EITI process was seen as instrumental in promoting policy and political debates in the period leading up to the presidential and parliamentary elections in October and December 2013. Mayors of mining-affected communes continued to use EITI Reports to monitor payments due to local communities.
Earlier this year EITI Madagascar published an ambitious workplan laying out their goals and activities to push forward the EITI. The next EITI Report is expected to be published by December 2014.
The Board's decision
The EITI Board decided to lift Madagascar suspension and reinstate its status as a Candidate country implementing the EITI Standard. In accordance with the EITI Standard:The Board took note of recent efforts to re-establish a legitimate government, including the elections concluding in January 2014 and the subsequent formation of a new government. It also noted the new government’s affirmation of Madagascar’s commitment to implement the EITI Standard. The Board was satisfied that the relationships necessary for effective EITI implementation were now possible and capable of being sustained.
- Madagascar is expected to produce EITI Reports annually in accordance with EITI requirements. To maintain Candidature status, the 2012 EITI Report must be published by 31 December 2014 in accordance with the EITI Standard.
- In accordance with Requirement 7.2, Madagascar is required to publish an annual report on the previous year’s activities, detailing progress in implementing the EITI. The annual activity report for 2013 should be published by 1 July 2014.
- Validation will commence by 5 December 2016 in accordance with the EITI Standard, though Madagascar may seek an earlier Validation if the MSG wishes.
The Board took note of the progress during suspension, including the renewal of the MSG and the adoption of an ambitious workplan for the implementation of the EITI Standard.
For further information about EITI in Madagascar, visit the country page on the EITI website.
Related content
