My area of interest is centered on francophone Africa, the status of minorities and immigrants in Europe & media biases. Raised in Madagascar, I hold a Master of Public Policy from Princeton University at the Woodrow Wilson School of International Affairs with a focus on international development & international relations and PhD in Medical Sciences from Purdue University. I can be found on twitter at twitter.com/lrakoto.
Latest posts by Lova Rakotomalala from July, 2010
Madagascar: Pillaging of Rain Forests Was Supervised by National Special Forces
The Malagasy field researcher who contributed to the report on rosewood illegal logging in Madagascar entitled “Between Democracy and Conservation” explains the method they used in conducting their18-months-long secret investigation [fr]. He states that the investigation was conducted away from the government task force and that he is glad that...
Francophonie: Like Fine Wine, Twitter Experience Gets Better With Age
An unexpected but deliciously nostalgic hash tag #jesuisvieux (I am old) has been trending in French social media. The timeline for the hashtag is filled with often humorous updates, and provides a snapshot of the evolution of information technology use.
Mali, Mauritania: Hostage Michel Germaneau Killed in Failed Raid as Tension Rises
A French-Mauritanian raid to free French aid worker Michel Germaneau inside Malian territory has raised tension [Fr] between the two nations, Diaspora Sahauri blog reports. The 78-year-old engineer Germaneau was killed after the failed attempt to free him.
Benin: Interior Ministry Repudiates Wolosso Dance Before His Dismissal
Wilfried Léandre Houngbedji reports that the Interior Ministry Armand Zinzindohoué ordered that night clubs in Cotonou curbed down the excessive practice of a dance called Wolosso [fr]. Unrelated to the previous matter, Zinzindohoué was dismissed and arrested later in the week for fraud.
Guinea: Awaiting the Second Round of the Elections Amidst Fraud Allegations
A historical presidential election is underway in Guinea as the official results of the first round [fr] are about to be made official. Despite the allegations of fraud, the overall sentiment is that of relief for the absence of turmoil and a remarkable turnout. The Guinean blogosphere was also actively involved:
Côte d'Ivoire:3 Journalists Including Théophile Kouamouo Arrested for Posting Classified Documents on Coffee and Cocoa
Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) reports that three journalists were arrested on July 13th in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire for publishing classified documents regarding coffee and cocoa production [Fr]. Among them is Théophile Kouamouo, the founder of Abidjan Blog Camps, a Rising Voices project grantee. Here is a petition to show support...
Cameroon: The Death of Pius Njawé, a Freedom of Speech Pioneer
Blogger Allain Jules gives a vibrant homage to Pius Njawé, a legendary Cameroonian journalist who passed away on July 12th [Fr].
Global: A Contest to Promote Youth-Driven Media in The Francophone Regions
Radio France International (RFI) has launched a contest, Mondoblog, that will short list 100 young francophone bloggers to become the “Ambassadors of their City on the web” [fr]. Registration will close on July 30th; aspiring bloggers who do not have easy access to ICT training are specifically encouraged to participate.
Niger: The Silent Famine
The underreported food crisis in Sahel is taking worrisome proportions as about 2.5 millions of people in Niger are currently affected by food shortage. Bloggers in Niger reflect on yet another food crisis after the one in 2005.
Diaspora and Development in the Francophone World
The diaspora of the developing countries worldwide is often mentioned as a potential driving factor for poverty reduction and the francophone region is no exception. Still, the suggested policies involving the diaspora are not without challenges and require more avenues for discussion between all development actors
Africa: Children Playing with Makeshift Football
Ariniaina shares photos of children playing with a makeshift soccer ball in Antananarivo. The scene is reminiscent of the remarkable photo essay by Julius Mwelu at the road-to-2010 blog about “the ingenuity of children to keep the joy of soccer alive”. [Additional photos at africamediaonline]
Togo: Women and Adolescents Embrace Technology for Development
On June 17th, the third panafrican conference on best practices in ICT in francophone Africa opened in Ouagadougou. The Togolese blogosphere is embracing the potential of information technology for development, especially women and young people.
