SUMMARY

The supporters of Didier Ratsiraka, who had governed Madagascar for over 20 years when his post was contested by Marc Ravalomanana in the 2001 election, came largely from the rural areas of the country. Ratsiraka, coming from a coastal region, enjoyed particular support in his home province of Toamasina. People living in the coastal region are partly of African descent, while the highland people owe some of their heritage to the Indonesians who migrated to Madagascar about 2000 years ago.

Ratsiraka and his supporters were for long supported by France, the former colonial power. When Ravalomanana declared himself president in February, France condemned his actions and called for continued negotiations with Ratsiraka. However, no material or logistical support was provided by France.

The supporters of Didier Ratsiraka have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.