Opposition Leader Under Ravalomanana
Zafy became the leader of the National Reconciliation Committee (CRN), which was founded in June 2002 to promote national reconciliation among the leading participants in the political crisis that followed the 2001 election. During Ravalomanana's presidency, Zafy and the CRN were viewed as part of the radical opposition in Madagascar. Zafy strongly criticized Ravalomanana and called for a new constitution.
A grenade exploded outside Zafy's home early on July 8, 2004, causing some damage but no injuries. This occurred in the midst of a series of grenade attacks across the country.
On December 8, 2006, Zafy's property was raided by police as part of the government's investigation regarding General Fidy, who allegedly attempted a coup in November, and presidential candidate Pety Rakotoniaina, both of whom the police sought to locate and arrest. Reacting to the raid, Zafy said that he did not recognize Ravalomanana as president and had never recognized him as such.
Zafy travelled to Paris in June 2007, where he met with Ratsiraka and members of his former government who were also in exile. He met with Ratsiraka on June 8, with AREMA leader Pierrot Rajaonarivelo on June 9, and with Tantely Andrianarivo, who served as Prime Minister under Ratsiraka, on June 11. He met with Ratsiraka and Andrianarivo again on June 25.
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