Madagascar deports ousted leader's spouse to Thailand

Marc Ravalomanana, flanked by his wife Lalao. By Alexander Joe (AFP/File)

ANTANANARIVO (AFP) - The wife of Madagascar's ousted leader Marc Ravalomanana was deported and put on a flight to Thailand Friday, hours after she landed at the island nation's capital, her son said.

"They pushed my mum out of the country," Tojo Ravalomanana told AFP.

Her husband's lawyer, Hanitra Razafimanantsoa, said: "They sent her to Bangkok. She called from the plane. She doesn't have a visa or any money."

The head of Ravalomanana's political movement, Mamy Rakotoarivelo, earlier told AFP that she had been detained on arrival but was later released at the order of Prime Minister Omer Beriziky.

Her husband and she have repeatedly tried and failed to enter the country. Their son Tojo has been living on the island.

Since his ouster in 2009, Marc Ravalomanana has been living in exile in South Africa.

His wife attempted to return following this week's talks between Ravalomanana and Andry Rajoelina, the country's current ruler who took power with army backing three years ago.

The first direct talks between the two failed to agree on conditions for Ravalomanana's eventual return, but his wife's arrival was a sign of progress in easing the deadlock.

Agreeing on the terms of his return is one of the major hurdles in guiding Madagascar towards elections.

The two rivals are expected to meet again within three weeks, before the next summit of the Southern African Development Community, which is mediating in the crisis.