Latest posts by Lova Rakotomalala from August, 2011
Central African Republic: Violence Marks Lead Up to Elections
The Central African Republic is set to hold partial parliamentary elections on September 4, yet tensions have arisen after an opposition party rally was marred with violence. The country is still recovering from violent conflicts that started in the late 1990s. Lova Rakotomalala reports.
Madagascar: Minister of Population Ramaroson and 10 others Drown in a Boat Accident
Minister of Population and Social Affairs Nadine Ramaroson and 10 other people died on Sunday in a boat accident near the island of Saint-Marie (North East of Madagascar) during a whale watching event. Although not always in agreement with her political stand, Blogger Aryel Elyah pays tribute to Mrs Ramaroson's...
Mauritania: 13 Activists against Child Trafficking Arrested
Four advocacy organizations against human trafficking note that a peaceful sit-in outside the Bureau of juvenile affairs was organized [fr] by l’Initiative pour la Résurgence du mouvement Abolitionniste (Ira) to denounce the insufficient measures taken against child trafficking in Mauritania. 13 members of the association were arrested following the protest....
Cameroon: Strength in Diversity
Africavox published [fr] a dossier on the differences between the 250 ethnic groups in Cameroon. It states that “mixed marriages, cultural adaptation to their neighbors’ practices and a relative appeasement of the political climate have led to greater tolerance and understanding among Cameroonians. While ethnic diversity is now widely seen...
Africa: The Looting of African Fishery Resources
The first chapter of the Greenpeace project SOS Oceans is entitled: “How Africa feeds Europe “. The website introduce the project with the following statement [fr] : “After depleting the reserves of fishes in their own waters, European fish boats are now on the move to target other oceans to fish in.”
Senegal: Mayor Becomes the Oldest Elementary School Graduate
Assane Diallo celebrates the uncommon achievement of the mayor of Tambacounda in Senegal : ” Among the 2 233 candidates for the Year End Elementary School Diploma was the mayor of Tambacounda, Mr Oury Bâ. The 67-year-old elected official successfully earned his first diploma, a testimony to perseverance and the value he gives to education....
Madagascar: Sanctions Result in Economic Decline and Food Insecurity
After two and a half years of transitional government, Madagascar has experienced a slow, seemingly unstoppable decline of its fragile economy that has put a strain on the lives of millions. With an economy ranked worst in the world and a food crisis looming, Malagasy citizens debate the merits and impacts of international sanctions
Madagascar: The Evictions of Families of Malagasy Farmers from Lands on the Rise
The Collective Body for the Defense of Malagasy [fr and mg] - (TANY) states that : “the procedure to obtain land titles in Madagascar necessitates on average 24 steps, 6 years and up to $500 USD. Yet the evicitions of farmers’ families [fr] from lands they have cultivated for several...
Togo: Journalists Rally to Protect Free Press
On August 6, journalists in Togo rallied in the streets of Lomé to protest against threats to their colleagues. The protest was launched by the association 'SOS Journalists in Danger', who believe that the threats originate from the national intelligence agency. Sylvio Chombey explains further.