Latest posts by Lova Rakotomalala
Could Professional Sports Boost Economic Development in Africa?
"Of course, sports alone cannot lift a country out of poverty. But they can help inspire social change."
Where to Find the Best African Food in Paris, According to the African Diaspora
Global Voices reviews of the best African restaurants in the Paris region, tried and tested by natives, as well as those discovering African food for the first time.
The French May Be Casual about Extramarital Sex, But They Aren't about Relationships
According to studies, the French may simply be more realistic about the challenges of long-term monogamy.
Here's Why This Election Year in France Is Completely Unprecedented
People feel that the future is bleak and that the old recipes of established parties are not working.
Fake News to Be of Major Concern in French Presidential Election Campaign
Distinguishing between real and fabricated news will be challenge during the french election campaign.
The Struggle to End Female Genital Mutilation in Africa
"If I had previously known what I know today, I would never have circumcised a single woman. We have caused much suffering to many daughters and wives."
“The Human Rights Situation in Burundi Is Deteriorating: We Need a New Approach to Show the World What is Happening”
"Strained relations in Burundi are causing price hikes and making life very difficult for the population. We need an urgent resolution to the Burundi crisis".
In Niger and Worldwide, a Legendary Surgeon and Humanitarian Is Mourned
Jean-Marie Servant, a specialist in reconstructive plastic surgery, a celebrated humanitarian, and a “giant among men,” has died. On social media, his friends are remembering his compassion and genius.
Empathy Was All Around in 2016 for the French-Speaking World, Too
It would be a shame to ignore 2016's less publicized, but still important events, so here goes our look back at the good stuff this year in the French-speaking world.
La Francophonie Summit Comes to Madagascar, Where Demonstrators Are Waiting
Madagascar, where the majority of people still live in poverty, has spent vast sums of money to organise a major summit. How much money exactly, nobody knows.
For Migrants of All Kinds, the Football Pitch Can Be a Place of Real Empathy
Lova Rakotomala plays football even though he's terrible at it. This is why.
French Diversity Raises an Eyebrow at Nicolas Sarkozy’s ‘Our Ancestors Are the Gauls’ Declaration
"When you're six years old and you read that your ancestors were Gauls, with fair hair and blue eyes... it wasn't only us who giggled, it was the teacher, too.”
French Politicians Say the Darndest Things About Colonialism
You'll find little in common between François Fillon, the former French prime minister, and Dorcas Dienda, a current contestant in the “Miss DRC” beauty pageant. But that being said...
Another Contested Election in Gabon Sparks Civil Unrest
Clashes between police forces and protesters have erupted, following accusations of rigged elections in Gabon.
The Refugee Olympic Team Showed They Have Plenty to Offer, in Spite of Tragic Stories
"It is this determination that they show against all odds. I love the athletes in this team as if they were my own children."
When Never Forgetting the Attacks on France, Try to Remember the Heroes, Too
Global Voices looks at several heroic stories during the latest mass attacks on French soil.
‘People Are Getting on Those Boats Because They Want to Live’
The rescue operation Sos Méditerranée publishes accounts of people who have survived journeys across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe on their blog.
After the Nice Attack, a Chance for Us to Respect the Pain Everywhere, Together
"Please, today, let us just stay in the now. Let us respect grieving families and friends and in so doing, let us also pay tribute to the other tragedies before."
Why Everyone in Madagascar Is Making Jokes About Pineapple
PineappleGate in Madagascar is much more than meets the eye.
How Madagascar's The Dizzy Brains Is Rocking Its Way Into European Hearts
The Dizzy Brains to Madagascar's prime minister: "Just do your job, man!"
The King of Congolese Rumba Has Died. This Is His Legacy.
We have lost Papa Wemba, Congolese rumba pioneer and the “King of Sape”. “Farewell to the artist and thank you,” says Global Voices.