Marc Ravalomanana

President

Date of Birth: 12/12/1949
Place of Birth: Imerinkasinina

Commentary: The latest political deal opens the way for a return from exile by deposed President and 'Yoghurt King' Marc Ravalomanana. Some wonder if he will steer clear of the next election if he can win guarantees for his extensive business interests.

Born in 1949 in Imerinkasinina, a small village near Antananarivo, Ravalomanana attended a Protestant school in Sweden. He is prominent in the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar. His fortune was made from dairy produce and his business group, Tiko, still holds the monopoly on all dairy and oil products.

In 1999, Ravalomanana launched his political career and was elected Mayor of Antananarivo, the capital. He became President in 2002 after disputed elections. Foreign investors flocked in, encouraged by his pro-market reforms and anti-corruption measures. He was accused of attending to his private businesses before the business of state.

Until October 2009's political deal, Ravalomanana and his party, Tiako-i-Madagasikara, had insisted that he was the sole legitimate President. He stayed in South Africa and Andry Rajoelina's self-proclaimed government sentenced him to four years in gaol for abuse of office for private gain (notably a presidential jet, worth US$60 million).

Talks held in Maputo in August 2009 were intended to negotiate an amnesty for him that would have let him return home and possibly stand for election. No deal was reached. His political future depends on how much Rajoelina can maintain domestic support amid foreign disapproval. He, former President Didier Ratsiraka and ex-Premier Albert Zafy could not agree a transitional government after Rajoelina had appointed one without consultation.