Madagascar fails to adopt law to help ex-leader return

ANTANANARIVO (AFP) - Madagascar has missed a Wednesday deadline set by a regional body for the adoption of an amnesty law that would clear the way for ousted leader Marc Ravalomanana to return home.

The 15-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) had given Madagascar until the end of February to approve the law, after Ravalomanana attempted to fly home on January 22 -- only for the island's authorities to send his plane back mid-flight.

"After long debate, it was decided to rework the amnesty bill," the Government Council said in a statement.

The initial text had excluded violent crimes from the amnesty, which effectively prevented Ravalomanana from returning home.

He had been sentenced in absentia in August 2010 to life in prison and hard labour for the deaths of some 30 opposition protesters killed by his presidential guard in February 2009.

"We have made observations and corrections on the law's contents," said Benjamin Andriamihanta, political advisor to the ousted leader.

A panel of legal experts is due to meet to discuss the new text, which would then be submitted back to the council.

A SADC-mediated roadmap to new elections signed by the island's main political factions in November allows the return of exiled leaders, including Ravalomanana, who was ousted in March 2009 by current strongman Andry Rajoelina in an army-backed coup after weeks of protests.

The amnesty law is seen as a key step toward allowing his return ahead of new polls.