The Chief-of-Staff to the President of Madagascar, Romy Andrianarisoa, and her associate, Philippe Tabuteau, have been charged in the UK with attempting to solicit a bribe from a British gem mining company. The two are accused of offering licences to the firm, Gemfields, in exchange for approximately £225,000.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) revealed that Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau were also striving to secure a 5% equity stake in any future Gemfields projects in Madagascar. The mining industry has traditionally played a significant role in Madagascar’s economy, contributing substantially to inbound investment between 2005 and 2013.
The arrest took place in the Victoria area of central London on Thursday afternoon during a meeting where the alleged bribe solicitation occurred. Following a brief court appearance on Saturday, Andrianarisoa, aged 46, and Tabuteau, aged 54, were remanded in custody. They are scheduled to appear before Southwark Crown Court on 8 September.
The NCA, expressing the agency’s appreciation for Gemfields’ cooperation, commended the company for bringing the matter to its attention. Gemfields has been working closely with investigators throughout the ongoing inquiry. The NCA did not disclose the specific licenses to which the alleged offenses relate.
Andy Kelly, the NCA’s Head of International Corruption, emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. “This case demonstrates our commitment to tackling bribery and corruption, regardless of where the crimes are committed or those responsible. The exploitation of public office for personal gain undermines trust and erodes the foundations of fair and transparent governance,” stated Kelly.
In recent years, Madagascar has been striving to improve its governance and stamp out corruption. This high-profile case is a reminder that challenges persist and highlight the need for sustained efforts in combating corruption within the country.
Madagascar has undergone political instability since the 2009 coup that ousted then-President Marc Ravalomanana. The current President, Andry Rajoelina, who assumed power after the coup, has been vocal about his commitment to fighting corruption. He has pledged to clean up the government’s image, attract foreign investment, and promote economic growth.
However, this latest scandal involving his chief-of-staff raises questions about the effectiveness of these initiatives and the prevalence of corruption within the administration. It remains to be seen how President Rajoelina will address this issue and reaffirm his commitment to good governance.
The outcome of this trial is anticipated to have far-reaching implications for both Madagascar and the gem mining industry. The country heavily relies on mining as a revenue generator, particularly through the extraction of precious stones such as rubies and sapphires. It is critical for transparent and ethical practices to prevail in the industry to ensure sustainable development and economic growth for the nation.
As the legal proceedings continue, the international community, along with the Malagasy public, will be closely watching for further updates on this case. Its outcome will undoubtedly have repercussions on the fight against corruption in Madagascar and serve as a test of the country’s commitment to good governance and accountability.
Image Credit: Olivier Lejade/Wikimedia
