Madagascar mining minister resigns, citing online ‘slander’

Madagascar’s new mining minister Brice Randrianasolo resigned late on Thursday, citing online “slander” related to a legal case in which he was previously involved.

The online criticism arose from charges of fraud Randrianasolo had faced in 2018 but were subsequently dismissed, he said in a televised resignation statement.

Randrianasolo vowed to file legal complaints against the criticism. He gave no details, adding: “This decision (resignation) has been rough but it proves to be the most reasonable and in the best interest of the nation.”

One widely read Facebook post alleged that he was a “swindler”. Randrianasolo denied any wrongdoing in response to the fraud charges, which were thrown out during a trial.

Since assuming office in January 2019, President Andry Rajoelina has promised to reform the Indian Ocean island’s major nickel and cobalt mining sector.

On Sunday, he named new ministers including Randrianasolo to an enlarged cabinet, days after sacking all ministers for what he said was poor performance and weeks after the reported foiling of a plot to kill the former coup leader. 

(By Lovasoa Rabary and Ayenat Mersie; Editing by Mark Heinrich)