
So why is the US now threatening to revoke AGOA in Madagascar?
The US government is using AGOA as a political lever to force President Andry Rajoelina’s questionable government to hold elections within the year. The textile exporters association says that the loss of AGOA would lead to downsizing and possibly even the collapse of the entire industry. Tens of thousands of jobs, and tens of millions of dollars of investment stand to be lost.
A letter that Aid Watch obtained addressed to the association of Malagasy textile exporters from the US trade rep warns ominously: “The recent events in Madagascar will be taken into consideration as the U.S. Government begins its review of Madagascar’s eligibility for AGOA in the coming months. As you know, respect for the rule of law is a condition of eligibility outlined in the AGOA legislation.”
The reasoning seems to be that political instability and violations of democratic procedures hurt the Malagasy people, so the natural US government response is to—hurt them more by taking away their jobs?
But a look at the AGOA eligibility requirements shows there is some room for interpretation. There must be, if non-shining examples of democracy like the DRC, Guinea, and Guinea Bissau get to stay on the list while Madagascar is kicked off. It turns out that the AGOA FAQ page contains a disclaimer: “Progress in each area is not a requirement for AGOA eligibility” [emphasis added].
So the USTR is not required to take Madagascar off the AGOA list, and it should not. Attorney and global regulations enforcement expert Jason Poblete said via email that “a country-wide sanctions regime is not likely warranted” and recommended a more targeted approach, such as adding the coup leaders to the list of “specially designated nationals” restricted from doing business with the US.
Another time for invoking Amanda’s Love Actually test— better for the USTR to do nothing, stay home, and watch a movie.
Originally published at Aid Watch and reproduced here with the author’s permission.
I think it’s better to stop Agoa and take out the putchist first, because if the everyday life doesn’t change in Madagascar,people will not take their responsability in the nation affair and something like this will happen again later.If Malagasy people feel and know that a coup will affect their live and that it is bad for the nation and for all as individual they will not accept any coup later.That is the way to teach Malagasy people about democracy and right.If not they will not care and accept every putch in Madagascar.