Madagascar's Ex-Chief of Staff Sentenced to Prison for Bribery

Romy Andrianarisoa, the 47-year-old leader, former chief of staff to Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison by a London court for demanding bribes from precious stone miner Gemfields in exchange for helping the company expand into Madagascar. Andrianarisoa was accused of using her position to seek substantial payments from Gemfields between 2021 and 2023.

Why this matters: This case highlights the pervasive corruption in Madagascar and the need for stronger institutions to combat it. The successful prosecution of a high-ranking official in a foreign court also sets a precedent for holding corrupt officials accountable, even when their own country's justice system may be ineffective.

Andrianarisoa offered to help Gemfields win lucrative mining rights in Madagascar in exchange for around 270,000 Swiss francs (nearly $300,000) and a 5% stake in a Gemfields company mine in Madagascar, worth around $4 million. Andrianarisoa and her associate, Philippe Tabuteau, were arrested in a London hotel in 2022 and charged with one count of bribery.

Judge Christopher Butcher described Andrianarisoa's actions as an "abuse" of a position of "significant trust and responsibility" when passing sentence. Tabuteau pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years and three months in prison, while Andrianarisoa pleaded not guilty but was convicted after a trial at Southwark Crown Court in February 2023.

de, para, ex, de, de Gemfields, which owns the Faberge jewellery brand, became suspicious of Andrianarisoa's demands and approached Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA). The NCA deployed an undercover officer posing as a consultant to negotiate with Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau. President Andry Rajoelina sacked Andrianarisoa with immediate effect after her arrest.

Madagascar ranks142nd out of 180 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, highlighting the country's struggles with corruption. Ketakandriana Rafitoson, executive director of Transparency International Initiative Madagascar, noted that if the case had taken place in Madagascar, it would likely have been swept under the rug due to the country's ineffective justice system.

The successful prosecution of Andrianarisoa in a British court demonstrates the ability to bring quicker, tougher cases against high-level corruption. The case serves as an important example, especially for Madagascar's justice system, that impunity is not appropriate, even for those in positions of significant power and influence. President Andry Rajoelina has since been inaugurated for a second term, following his re-election in a vote boycotted by the opposition.

news