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, 2013
A Sustainable Ecovillage in Sidi Amor, Tunisia
Nolwein Weiler and Sophie Chapelle reports on the remarkable development of an ecovillage in Sidi Amor, Tunisia [fr]. The project aims to protect the environment while providing a site for economic and social growth for local workers as explained in this video [fr].
Delestron, the Supervillain that Embodies Blackouts in Côte d'Ivoire
Ivorian citizens have created a cartoon character named Délestron (délestage means blackouts in french). Delestron has also its own facebook page which has gather more than 5,000 fans since its creation in March of 2013. Ivorian twitter user Lord225 posted a picture from his account: Hier… delestron a frapper fort....
Follow the Presidential Election in Mali in Real Time
Today (July 28) is the first round of the presidential election in Mali. To keep track of the proceedings in real time, updates are available on twitter via the hashtag #Mali2013, on the twitter accounts @Malivote (and its website) and @angaelections (site) and on the news group “Info élections 2013″ on Facebook [fr].
Sifting Fact From Fiction on the French Speaking Web
"Some people, known for their political activism, knowingly share false information." In this post we look at fact-checking projects in Francophone online media.
What Issues do Malian Voters Care about in the Presidential Election?
Bruce Whitehouse parses out five key issues for the upcoming presidential election in Mali (July 28). As for what Malians expect from the poll, Whitehouse reports: Voters are overwhelmingly concerned about the high cost of living, unemployment, corruption, law and order, and everyday quality-of-life questions, particularly water and sanitation. Preserving...
Alleged Fraud during Parliamentary Elections in Togo
Parliamentary Elections are underway in Togo today (25/07/2013). The Save Togo Association has already reported instances of alleged fraud [fr]. Togolese activist Sylvio Combey posted an image from one of the polling station on twitter: 8h l'urne vient d'être montrée vide aux votants à #Kanyikopé #TGInfo #TG2013 #Nukpola #Fb pic.twitter.com/DZU1iFTPqI —...
Protests for Election in Madagascar Lead to Violence, Arrest
Vola R of Ma-Laza reports that 7 were hurt [fr] following police repression of protests demanding elections in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The party leading the protest states that the current administration has no intention of organizing elections this year and is just hanging on to their position of power. The leader of...
Privileges Granted to Ex-Presidents in Madagascar
Reporter Rianasoa posts the image of a document that stipulates what ex presidents will be entitled to in Madagascar. These privileges include but (not are not limited to) the services of five household helpers and two drivers, and a stipend of 6,000,000 Ariary (about $2700 USD/month): Loi N°2013-001 relative aux privilèges...
Sixty Killed During Fighting in Nzérékoré, Guinea
Guinee News reports the latest death toll – 60 – from the killings in Nzérékoré, Guinea [fr] : Les cinquante deux corps qui étaient non identifiables ont été enterrés dans une fosse commune hier. Les autres corps reconnaissables ont été remis à leurs familles. 52 non-identified bodies were buried in a mass...
Reform Underway for DR of Congo's Army?
Congo Siasa posits that a slew of new promotions (list here) are signs that important reforms are underway for the Congolese army: According to the official plan, the county will be split into three Zones de Défense, based in Kisangani, Lubumbashi, and Kinshasa. Each zone will have three rapid reaction brigades, two defense brigades,...
Why Can't Madagascar Settle on an Election Date?
Four years since a military takeover plunged the country into political crisis, Madagascar has pushed presidential elections back again and again. What's the hold up, and who's benefiting from the repeated delays?
