Stories about Madagascar from January, 2009
Madagascar: The mayor proclaims himself president
A dispute between the president of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanan, and the mayor of the capital, Andry Rajoelina, thrust Malagasy citizens into violent rioting and looting last week, and has now escalated into a power struggle for the presidency itself.
Madagascar: “Unmitigated Disaster”
After two days of upheaval that resulted in an estimated death toll at 80 nationally, and the looting of dozens of stores, a day of relative calm greeted a stunned nation.
Madagascar: “History repeats itself…as a farce” in recent unrest
On blogs and forums, reflections on the sources of the current unrest and the history of Madagascar's turbulent democracy.
Madagascar: Negotiations canceled as unrest spreads
There was a slight hope of a rapid resolution in the currently undergoing social unrest in Madagascar. Leaders of both government and opposition announced a meeting would be held yesterday. That meeting was canceled after both parties failed to agree on preliminary conditions. In the meantime, lootings are still ongoing...
Madagascar's resourceful kids
This week, two videos from Madagascar show us how children make do with their situation and rise above it using ingenuity, creativity and a bit of daring. First is Toky, who makes tin cars out of waste materials, and the other is the Green Boy, a kid who makes a living in the streets not by begging, but by showing off his acrobatic skills.
Madagascar: Looting scenes on video as uncertainty prevails
A youtube video of a looting scene at a major shopping center in Antanarivo was posted by c17dabossbaby. Many bloggers are wondering why the police forces are seemingly absent during this time of unrest (video) and speculate that the president may be temporarily located in Mahajanga (not overseas as initially...
Madagascar: More reports President Ravalomanana has fled
Several bloggers and a Malgasy media website report that President Ravalomanana has fled the country. Still others say the rumors of Ravalomanana's departure are false.
Live Tweeting Madagascar: Antananarivo on fire, rumors of president fleeing
Citizens in Madagascar, twittering via internet and SMS, report that several buildings in Antananarivo, the capital, are burning and the President has left the country following days of protests.
Madagascar: Devastating tropical storm makes way for a political one
A few days after passing Madagascar, the official toll from the damages caused by Cyclone Fanele have finally come in. President Ravalomanana president flew to one of the affected areas to assess the extent of the devastation. Cyclone citizen media initiative While the BGNRC (department of risk and disaster management)...
Madagascar: Major Damages from Tropical Storm Eric & Cyclone Fanele
In the past days, Madagascar has been sandwiched between both Tropical Storm Eric and Cyclone Fanele. Considering that last year's cyclone season was particularly deadly, bloggers in Madagascar are weary of the consequences of such natural disasters. Despite growing political tension, many of them reacted promptly to share their thoughts on what seems to be another series of damaging catastrophes.
Madagascar: Tropical cyclone Fanele makes landfall in the Southwest Region
Blogger Pierre Maury is thinking of the Southwest region of Madagascar as Tropical Cyclone Fanele has made land fall at 4:17 am on January 21st 2009 (fr). The city of Belo-sur-Mer is threatended by gust of wind as fast as 281 km/h.
Madagascar: Massive Political Meeting as Tension Arises
Two bloggers report photos and proceedings of political meeting in Antananarivo as tension between mayor Andry Rajoelina and current president Marc Ravalomanana arises over the closing of a national TV station (mg). Avylavitra posted photos of attendance at the meeting and Jentilisa wrote a comprehensive timeline of the events (mg).
Madagascar: More Prison Break: Arson in Ambalatavoahangy (Toamasina)
After a series of prison breaks around Madagascar last week, Jentilisa reports that another prison near Toamasina ( East coast of Madagascar) was set on fire today ( Jan 13th) (mg). Eyewitnesses reported heavy smoke and 5 gun shots. The causes of the fire or the gun shots are still...
Madagascar: Series of “Prison Breaks” as Life Imitates Television
In Madagascar, 40 inmates are still at large after successful escape attempts from three prisons around the country, all within in 48 hours.
