Benja Razafimahaleo
Benja Razafimahaleo is a Malagasy politician who served as Minister of Finance in the government of Madagascar from March 2009 to September 2009.
LEADER-Fanilo
Razafimahaleo is the brother of Herizo Razafimahaleo, who was President of the LEADER-Fanilo political party and a major political figure from the 1990s until his death in 2008. Benja was Director-General of Sacimem for a time.[1] Following Herizo's death, LEADER-Fanilo's national council chose Manassé Esoavelomandroso as the party's National President in early September 2008, while Benja Razafimahaleo was chosen as one of four vice-presidents.[2]
2009 political crisis
Razafimahaleo was appointed as Minister of Finance and the Budget in the rival government of opposition leader Andry Rajoelina on 10 February 2009.[1] As the political crisis involving Rajoelina and President Marc Ravalomanana escalated, Rajoelina's supporters installed Razafimahaleo in the Finance Ministry with the help of the military on 12 March 2009.[3][4] Rajoelina took over the Presidency with the military's assistance a few days later.[5]
Razafimahaleo was dismissed from the government on 8 September 2009.[6]
References
- Fano Rakotondrazaka, "Andry TGV nomme quatre ministres", L'Express de Madagascar, 11 February 2009 (in French).
- "Leader-Fanilo - Manassé Esoavelomandroso succède à Herizo Razafimahaleo", Midi Madagasikara, 6 September 2008 (in French).
- "Report: Madagascan opposition takes financial ministry", Xinhua, 12 March 2009.
- Bernard Yves, "Des mercenaires pénètrent sur le territoire malgache", Témoignages, 16 March 2009 (in French).
- "Military backs Madagascar rival", BBC News, 18 March 2009.
- "Monja Roindefo; Un gouvernement de 31 membres", Madagascar Tribune, 9 September 2009 (in French).