Much ado about nothing! Despite residents' protests, the fokontany chiefs of Tsaramandroso Ambany and Manjarisoa have been replaced. The Mahajanga prefecture proceeded with their installation last Wednesday. In Manjarisoa, Paulbert Rakotonirina succeeds Christophe Rakotoarivony, who held the fokontany chief position for 24 years. The handover took place in the presence of a Mahajanga prefecture representative.
"After consultations, we will prepare elections. This shows we won't remain in this position forever. We will continue the efforts undertaken by the former chief," declared the new fokontany chief of Manjarisoa.
His predecessor said he accepts the authorities' decision while demanding payment of twelve months of salary arrears. "We comply with the decision, as this is the era of Refoundation. But we claim payment of twelve months of salary arrears. When dismissed, it's normal to receive what we're owed," he stated.
In Tsaramandroso Ambany, the new fokontany chief, Patrick Rakotoarimalala, was installed without incident. The former chief did not attend the handover ceremony. Protesters were also absent and everything was calm around the office, unlike the recent contestation reactions from residents last Saturday.
This replacement wave also concerns several other fokontany, notably Mahavoky Avaratra, Mahavoky Atsimo and Mahajanga Be. In Amborovy, Issoufa Hareako Angelin Ernesto was also installed yesterday as the new fokontany chief.