· January, 2009

Stories about Madagascar from January, 2009

Madagascar: The mayor proclaims himself president

  31 January 2009

A dispute between the president of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanan, and the mayor of the capital, Andry Rajoelina, thrust Malagasy citizens into violent rioting and looting last week, and has now escalated into a power struggle for the presidency itself.

Madagascar: Negotiations canceled as unrest spreads

  27 January 2009

There was a slight hope of a rapid resolution in the currently undergoing social unrest in Madagascar. Leaders of both government and opposition announced a meeting would be held yesterday. That meeting was canceled after both parties failed to agree on preliminary conditions. In the meantime, lootings are still ongoing...

Madagascar's resourceful kids

  27 January 2009

This week, two videos from Madagascar show us how children make do with their situation and rise above it using ingenuity, creativity and a bit of daring. First is Toky, who makes tin cars out of waste materials, and the other is the Green Boy, a kid who makes a living in the streets not by begging, but by showing off his acrobatic skills.

Madagascar: Looting scenes on video as uncertainty prevails

  26 January 2009

A youtube video of a looting scene at a major shopping center in Antanarivo was posted by c17dabossbaby. Many bloggers are wondering why the police forces are seemingly absent during this time of unrest (video) and speculate that the president may be temporarily located in Mahajanga (not overseas as initially...

Madagascar: Devastating tropical storm makes way for a political one

  25 January 2009

A few days after passing Madagascar, the official toll from the damages caused by Cyclone Fanele have finally come in.  President Ravalomanana president flew to one of the affected areas to assess the extent of the devastation. Cyclone citizen media initiative While the BGNRC  (department of risk and disaster management)...

Madagascar: Major Damages from Tropical Storm Eric & Cyclone Fanele

  22 January 2009

In the past days, Madagascar has been sandwiched between both Tropical Storm Eric and Cyclone Fanele. Considering that last year's cyclone season was particularly deadly, bloggers in Madagascar are weary of the consequences of such natural disasters. Despite growing political tension, many of them reacted promptly to share their thoughts on what seems to be another series of damaging catastrophes.

Madagascar: Massive Political Meeting as Tension Arises

  18 January 2009

Two bloggers report photos and proceedings of political meeting in Antananarivo as tension between mayor Andry Rajoelina and  current president Marc Ravalomanana arises over the closing of a national TV station (mg).  Avylavitra posted photos of attendance at the meeting and Jentilisa wrote a comprehensive timeline of the events (mg).