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Lova Rakotomalala

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About Lova Rakotomalala

83 posts · joined 2007-02-22

Currently in Lafayette, IN USA.
Raised in Madagascar.

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Latest posts by Lova Rakotomalala

Stories

May 20th, 2009

Madagascar: Protester Freed, Journalists Demonstrate Against CensorshipPhotos postVideo post

The Malagasy online community was relieved to hear the news that Razily, a protester who was arrested in late March, was seen in public and he seems well and about. While much is still unknown about the circumstances of Razily's release, many bloggers hope that this event signifies the beginning of a return to normalcy with respect to the conduct of the country's security forces.

May 3rd, 2009

Growing Military Repression in MadagascarPhotos post

Bloggers respond to the new Malagasy government's intimidation and arrest of protesters and political opponents.

April 1st, 2009

Causes and Consequences of the Coup in MadagascarVideo post

After the power transfer that took place on March 17th in Madagascar, unrest is still growing strong in the island nation. 15,000 protested against the coup Saturday for the sixth consecutive day and have been tear-gassed by armed forces for three days straight. Sunday, civil protesters were shot at and wounded by police forces, resulting in 34 wounded and a few unaccounted for. Lova Rakotomalala reviews the political and economic causes of the power struggle and the consequences of the coup for the Malagasy people.

March 25th, 2009

Sub-Saharan Africa

Stephen Ellis, co-author (with Solofo Randrianja) of Madagascar: A Short History, explains that Ravalomanana's removal can be attributed to two main factors: his use of presidential power to further business interests and his alienation of the provincial political class and the armed forces.

March 19th, 2009

Madagascar: Fear of More Strife After President's Resignation

The power struggle that has plagued Madagascar since January may have come to an end. Yesterday, after attempts by Andry Rajoelina supporters to remove President Marc Ravalomanana from office, the army, which has now sided with Rajoelina, took control of the presidential palace in Ambotsirohatra. Bloggers were divided between joy over Ravalomanana's exit and anxiety over what Rajoelina's leadership will bring.

March 16th, 2009

Madagascar: A Changing of the Guard?

The Madagascar crisis may have reached a major turning point: the beginning of the end of the President Marc Ravalomanana's regime. While there is still confusion about who is currently in charge, the army seems to have chosen to stand with former mayor Andry Rajoelina. The prime minister's office, as well as the national TV, are now under Rajoelina's control. Twitterers in Madagascar described events as they unfolded.