The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
Orton Kiishweko
7 October 2008
Madagascar president Marc Ravalomanana arrived in Dar es Salaam yesterday for a three-day state visit in Tanzania.
He flew in aboard his presidential jet at 2.55pm and was received by his host, President Jakaya Kikwete.
Accompanied by a delegation of six people, President Ravalomanana was welcomed by a 21-gun salute before being treated to traditional dances for close to 15 minutes at the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA).
Donning a dark suit, Mr Ravalomanana later shook hands with Tanzania leaders who were at the airport to receive him. They included the Vice-President Ali Mohammed Shein, Foreign Affairs minister Bernard Membe and his deputy, Ambassador Iddi Seif.
Others were Cabinet ministers Shukuru Kawambwa, David Mwakyusa and Steven Wassira. Dar es Salaam regional commissioner Abbas Kandoro was also there as was the Dar es Salaam special police zone commander Suleiman Kova.
However, as the visiting delegation was being led to official state cars, confusion ensued when the Madagascar first lady was mistakenly led to President Kikwete's car.
Almost immediately, one female Madagascar intelligence official held the first lady's hand signaling her to use another state car with an STG number plate.
President Kikwete, who witnessed the confusion, did not hide his disappointment at the developments as he frowned at the incident.
Within seconds, it turned out that the same car had not been planned for the first lady as she alighted and entered a 'State Escort' car, before speeding off.
President Ravalomanana , who was re-elected in December 2006, is highly regarded by development agencies for his sound fiscal policies and anti-corruption measures.
A self-made multi-millionaire known for his fervent Christian faith, Mr Ravalomanana is the embodiment of the 'rags to riches' story, and a leader largely viewed by analysts as being action oriented.
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