A discreet presence. The visit to the country of Mohamed Idriss Farah, special envoy of the African Union (AU) Commission president for Madagascar, went largely unnoticed until he began his tour of political leaders and stakeholders on Monday. Following his last visit in July, the diplomat is again taking the pulse of the political situation in the Great Island. Since the beginning of the week, he has met with various officials and actors. Accompanied by a UN delegation, the AU Commission president's special envoy notably met with Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, head of state, on Tuesday. Yesterday, they were received by Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, president of the National Assembly. This time around, Mohamed Idriss Farah has taken his time to gauge the situation. He has been in Madagascar for several days. His arrival coincided with consultations for electoral preparations led by the Refoundation president at the Iavoloha state palace. The AU Commission president's special envoy was thus able to attend the discussions as an observer. Barring any changes, he should also inquire about progress in the national dialogue process, which is entering its operational phase. Garry Fabrice Ranaivoson