Stories about Madagascar
Deadly Diseases, Violent Conflicts and White Saviors: Hollywood's Skewed Portrayal of Africa
The film "Outbreak" about a fictional Ebola-like virus hit theaters nearly 20 years ago. Has Hollywood's perception of Africa evolved since then?
“Very Difficult to Care about Madagascar”
Thomas Friedman recently traveled to Madagascar and posits that Americans need to pay more attention to the economic and ecological disaster that threatens the island. Some of his readers did not quite agree, like Deosinon in Philadelphia, who argues that Madagascar is too far removed from his needs : I...
Stop Using Growth as an Excuse to Pollute, African Activists Say
The impact of 2014 World Environment Day on Africa: The need for growth on the continent does not absolve nations from protecting the earth, African advocates say.
44,000 Malagasy Children Die Every Year for Lack of Care. How Can We Stop It?
Children's healthcare is dismal in Madagascar, but some organizations are doing their best to change this terrible reality.
“How are We Malagasy Supposed to Provide School Supplies and Medications for our Children ?”
Malagasy blogger Tojo Fehizoro posted a spreadsheet that summarized the minimum cost of basic supplies for a Malagasy family of 4 with 2 children, 10 and 7 years old respectively. The spreadsheet lists the cost and description of each item [mg] and the combined salary of both parents: Monthly Income Monthly...
Apocalyptic Scenes in Andranondambo, Madagascar as Villages Fight Over Land
L'Express Mada reports that the entire village of Andranondambo in the South of Madagascar was destroyed [fr] during an inter-village conflict that stems from a dispute over land rights. The civilian conflict, which lasted from May 20 to 22, left no residents of the village alive. One of the military police...
An Open Letter to the President of Madagascar on Land Leases to Microsoft and the Zurich Zoo
In an open letter to the new President of Madagascar Hery Rajaonarimampianina and other elected officials, the Association for the protection of Malagasy Lands asks that several aspects of the contracts regarding the recent land leases be clarified to the general public [fr] : nous demandons une clarification de la part des autorités...
Madagascar to Start Distributing Crude Oil Locally and Hope to Boost Job Market
L'Express reports that the Madagascar Oil Group will start testing distribution of 55,000 to 73,000 barrels [fr] of crude oil from Tsimiroro, Madagascar onto the local market. It is part of the new government strategy to ingnite economic recovery and strive for energy independence [fr]. The oil exploitation is also expected to create new jobs for local...
So You Need to Get Around Madagascar?
Public transportation can be a challenge in Madagascar. The country's road infrastructure is antiquated and underdeveloped and overcrowded buses and minivans are often the only option.
Who Benefits from Trafficking Women from Madagascar to the Middle East?
Aaron Ross reports on his investigation in the heart of the ongoing human trafficking of young women from Madagascar to Middle Eastern countries: For some enterprising businessmen, the collapse heralded a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So-called placement agencies sprang up in Antananarivo and other cities across Madagascar, promising the good life in...
Meet Mamy and Zo, Editors of Global Voices in Malagasy
Mamy and Zo explain the challenges they face as translators providing up-to-date news and maintaining high standards for the Malagasy language.
The New Government of Prime Minister Roger Kolo Announced in Madagascar
Tananews in Madagascar has published the full list of the 31 members of the new Malagasy government [fr]. Mitsangana Madagascar notes that the list includes 6 women and that 7 ministers were already part [fr] of the previous transitional government. Former prime minister Beriziky wished the new government well on twitter :...
Are Economic Sanctions Effective Against Rogue Rulers?
Economic sanctions are often proposed to penalize countries guilty of bad government. But do they actually help bring about good government?
Why The President of Madagascar Has Not Named a New Prime Minister Yet
The new president of Madagascar Hery Rajaonarimampianina was elected president on December 20, 2013. A few months later, he's yet to name a prime minister for his new government. Many observers wonder what is taking so long. Malagasy blogger Michael Rakotoarison has a different take on the situation; he argues that maybe...
First Tweet from President of Madagascar is the Ultimate Meta Tweet
The newly elected president of Madagascar Hery Rajaonarimampianina created his twitter account on March 23, 2014. Here is his first tweet : It is quite possibly the most meta tweet ever from a head of state. Only media mugol Rupert Murdoch might challenge the level of “metaness” of his first...
Are ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ Outdated Terms in African Politics?
The cold war defined post-colonial African politics with its left vs right dichotomy. But is it still relevant for the continent today ?
Young Woman in Madagascar Kills Herself after Photos Were Re-posted on Facebook
Koolsaina writes that a Malagasy girl killed herself [fr] after photos of her were posted on a Facebook page that showcase photos of young women from Madagascar without their consent. A call to Facebook administrators was initiated to take down the page. As of today (March 16, 2014), Koolsaina reports...
5 Traditional Recipes From Across the Francophone World
Hungry for tajine, a meat or fish stew with vegetables or dried fruit from Morocco? Or how about ravitoto, a dish made from cassava leaves, onions and pork from Madagascar?
Reducing the Gap Between Africa's Rich and Poor
"Some take a plane to get treated for hay fever, while others are pushing up daisies because they can’t afford basic malaria treatment."
Saving Primate Lemurs
A group of researchers from Madagascar, Canada, UK and USA published a detailed report in Science that alerts on the possible extinctions of 90% of the known lemurs of Madagascar following the prolonged political crisis in the country. One of the researcher, Christoph Schwitzer, explains to the Scientific American the dire consequences...
Madagascar Still Awaiting a New Prime Minister, Government
A full month since President-elect Hery Rajaonarimampianina took position as the new head of state in Madagascar, there are still no indication who the new prime minister will be and what government he/she will assemble. Ma-Laza argues that the main issue is not really the identity of the prime minister but...
