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, 2012
Togo: Preacher Transports 4.2 kg of Cocaine Hidden in Lollipops to Build Church
Togolese Preacher Woegna Yao Koufoualesse was caught at the Accra International Airport with 4.2 kg of Cocaine in a flight from Sao Paulo, Afrique Infos reports [fr]. The drugs were hidden inside caramel lollipops; Koufoualesse argued that he did not know about the cocaine and that the lollipops were to be sold to help...
Mali: Athletes Go to London Olympics With Heads Held High
"We will definitely be in London and our goal is to prove to the whole world that in spite of our struggles, our country is still standing." - Malian National Olympic Committee President
Madagascar: Three Soldiers Killed During Uprising in Military Barracks
Three soldiers were killed and four injured during a confrontation at Ivato barracks, Madagascar on Sunday July 22, 2012. This revolt took place shortly before a meeting between the interim leader Andry Rajoelina and ex-president Marc Ravalomananana, scheduled for July 24 in the Seychelles. This latest incident follows a pattern all too familiar to Malgasians as they ask themselves who benefits from the unrest that occurs before each attempt at mediation.
Mali: What is The ECOWAS Waiting for ?
Francis Laloupo wonders whether the ECOWAS has a clear purpose in the resolution [fr] of the crisis in Northern Mali. Laloupo argues that while the ECOWAS has maintained for the past 4 months that they strive to re-establish the unity of the Malian territory, they have yet to draw a coherent strategy to...
Togo: Keeping an Eye on a Budding Political Crisis
Paul Martial warns that despite very little international coverage, the recent events in Togo suggest that profound changes are underway [fr]. Martial argues that the Eyadema administration is fragilized by both the emerging social crisis and internal tensions within the governing body. A new prime minister, Mr Ahoomey-Zunu, has been named today [fr].
Africa: Nelson Mandela, an Icon Transcending Differences
On his 94th birthday, the entire world is celebrating Nelson Mandela, and the internet users of Francophone Africa are no exception. Nelson Mandela remains an absolute icon of the African renaissance, throughout the continent. Francophone bloggers have praised the life of the man whom they affectionately call "Madiba", and the lessons learned from his struggle.
DR of Congo: Does Rebel Group M23 Seek Kivu Secession with Rwanda's Approval?
Giles Muhane reports that the March 23 Movement M23 rebel military group is believed to be seeking secession of the the province of Kivu from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Muhane adds that Kinshasa authorities have publicly accused Kigali of supporting a mutiny in Congo. Rwandan President Paul Kagame denied any involvement in the Congo...
Madagascar: Will Air France Jet Purchases Really Help Air Madagascar?
The year 2011 saw Air Madagascar being banned from flying to European destinations due to the airline failing to comply with security regulations. The transition government had been celebrating the purchase of two Air France Airbus A340s with great fanfare, yet multiple questions have been since been raised over the purchase.
Togo: Prime Minister Gilbert Houngbo Resigns Ahead of the Elections
The Republic of Togo blog reports [fr] that Prime Minister Gilbert Houngbo resigned on July 11 to officially allow all political parties to be represented in the new government ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Madagascar: Enjoying the 2012 Africa Cup of Rugby
Madagascar is hosting the Confédération Africaine de Rugby (CAR) Championship Division 1B competition from July 4 to 11. The other nations in the group are Morocco, Namibia and Sénégal. While the country has been marred in severe economic and political crisis since the 2009 coup, the Malagasy population is trying to escape their daily struggles by rooting for the Malagasy National Rugby Team also known as the "Makis de Madagascar."
