A governance crisis is shaking the National Tourism Office of Madagascar (ONTM). The official announcement on the afternoon of October 26 regarding the appointment of Jean-Marc Razakazafy as interim Executive Director (ED) immediately triggered a reaction from the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts.
This confrontation between the organization, which brings together public and private sector stakeholders, and its supervisory ministry highlights disagreements over procedural regularity and the governance of the Office.
The controversy stems from the ONTM’s publication of a statement announcing the dismissal of the former executive director and the appointment of his interim successor following a board of directors meeting—a decision rejected by the ministry.
The dispute centers on compliance with statutory rules. While the association’s statutes remain silent on the appointment procedure, the internal regulations reportedly stipulate that the removal and designation of an executive director require a qualified majority of two-thirds of the board, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
With 16 board members, this majority requires at least 11 votes. However, according to Noro Ralaivelo, Chief of Staff at the ministry, this requirement was not met. “Only 7 directors were present during the vote,” he stated during a press conference. The ONTM also allegedly failed to consult its supervisory body before announcing the new appointment.
When questioned, the Office declined to comment. The Chief of Staff also questioned the interim director’s proximity to the former regime, suggesting his return would prioritize personal interests over the common good. The ministry also noted that the Minister of Handicrafts had formally expressed reservations about the candidacy, advocating for a responsible approach aligned with good governance principles.
The ONTM is a public utility association designed as a platform for dialogue between the State and the private sector to promote Madagascar as a destination. As the situation unfolds, industry professionals express concern over the potential impact on the institution’s credibility and the continuity of ongoing programs.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-28 06:23:45 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/ontm-quiproquo-autour-dune-nomination.html