As a reader comments on Madagascar Tribune online  :

“Mais quel symbole !!!. Un homme seul qui brandi fièrement le drapeau de son pays arrêté sans ménagement par des militaires sensés justement défendre les couleurs de ce drapeau. Lui même jeté dans le fourgon !!!.”

We still do not know for sure what happened to Razily, but he is hailed a hero by Malagasy internet users. Malagasy mainstream media seem not to have followed up with his fate. Malagasy social media users, like Solofo Rafeno, on his twitter account and his blog are orchestrating a campaign to demand that the HAT government free Razily and the other two men who were with him. Solofo also demands to know the whereabouts of a pro-Ravalomanana journalist who has been reported missing since the grab of power.

A petition now circulates on Facebook for those demanding Razily's freedom.

Then, last sunday, Andry TGV Rajoelina's government seized equipment from two radio broadcasting stations, Radio Fahazavana and Radio Mada, which both support the ousted President Marc Ravalomanana.

Mydago.com reports the closure of the two stations :

“Pendant le jour du Seigneur du 19 avril, la Radio Chrétienne Fahazavana (Lumière) ainsi que Radio Mada et TV Mada ont été détruits par les militaires mutins du Capsat. Il faut reconnaître que ces organes d’informations ont depuis quelques jours gêné, voire irrité le nouveau régime issu du coup d’état de Madagascar. Nous pouvons nous souvenir que déjà depuis quelques jours, par exemple nous avions eu vent de plaintes de brouillage sur Radio Mada. Par ailleurs, d’autres informations ont confirmé que des pressions s’exercent sur les journalistes de la Radio et la télévision nationales (Radio et TVM).”

It is ironic to recall that back in December 2008, it was Andry TGV Rajoelina's VIVA TV station which was forced to close by Marc Ravalomanana, for broadcasting a speech by former President Ratsiraka where the latter harshly criticized Ravalomanana and incited the Malagasy people to revolt.

Fijery notices the similarity :

“Dimanche dernier, au milieu de toute la splendeur de leur clairvoyance, Andry Rajoelina et Gilbert Raharizatovo ont fait un copier-coller de la décision ridicule de réduire Viva TV au silence, et ont tenté de fermer Radio-Mada et Radio Fahazavana.”

After his nemesis, Ravalomanana, closed down VIVA TV,  Andry TGV organized protests in the streets to demand the reopening of the television station, touted his outrage at this blatant disrespect of freedom of speech and democracy, and branded Ravalomanana a “dictator”. Global Voices has a special section on the crisis.

Yet not even six months later, after Andry TGV successfully grabbed power with the help of mutineers, and proclaimed that freedom is won and dictatorship vanquished, Andry TGV's sbires are now the ones threatening radio and TV stations with closures, intimidating journalists and bloggers, forbidding public protests and shooting at protesters, all under the pretext of preserving law and order and public safety, a surprising concern for a government that not even two months ago, has itself used street protests, intimidation and general thuggery to rise to power.

Due to the violence and the threats, shops and factories were forced to permanently shut down, their employees were dismissed, the $350 million a year once promising touristic industry tanked, hotels are now staying empty. The HAT government has proposed that entry visas, which once cost 60 euros to obtain, are now to be offered for free in a desperate measure to revive tourism.

The HAT government, which professed last month that elections were not needed because the people had already spoken through the streets, then proceeded to forbid all public rallies. As reports The Cyber Observer:

“Today (Tuesday April 21st, 2009), the HAT prime minister Monja Roindefo led a special council at the state palace of Iavoloha.
It has been decided that, starting from tomorrow (Wednesday April 22nd, 2009), all political rallies throughout Madagascar, are forbidden until further notice.
In order to maintain the public order (bear in mind that when Andry Rajoelina came to power, he proclaimed state of emergency throughout Madagascar), the state has the right to make such decision. But in the other hand, due to the fact that there is a daily and massive growing wave of public contestation throughout Madagascar, is it really wise to impose such a ban?”

On Monday April 20 and again on Thursday April 23, there were massive crowds in Antananarivo, protesting the shut down of the pro-Ravalomanana radio stations. Unfortunately the Rajoelina government copied Ravalomanana's methods and ruthlessly repressed the protests, showing in the process that Ravalomanana the “dictator” may be gone, but his replacement, Andry TGV Rajoelina is not fulfilling his promise to bring freedom and democracy to Madagascar. One of the reproaches Andry TGV Rajoelina's supporters made to Ravalomanana was the use of armed civilians mingled with soldiers during protests repressions. Yet again, civilians were seen carrying weapons alongside soldiers, and some were even seen giving soldiers orders, when together they shot at protesters without warning, and according to some accounts, used deadly bullets.

According to witnesses, the Associated Press and the BBC, two people died and more than 15 were wounded on Monday.

“The BBC's Jonny Hogg in the city saw at least one person shot in the back at close range, and said cars were set on fire close to government buildings. “

“Radio Madagascar said numerous casualties were being taken to the Antananarivo's main hospital. There was no immediate confirmation of the report nor official word about injuries or deaths.”

“An AP reporter saw roaming gangs erecting barricades and burning cars in the capital, with the worst unrest concentrated near a downtown square that has become the focal point for protests.
Supporters of ousted President Marc Ravalomanana had defied a ban on demonstrations issued by Madagascar's military-backed leader Andry Rajeolina following repeated clashes.”

Soldiers then wanted to invade HJRA, Hopital Ravoahangy Andrianavalona, the hospital where the wounded were taken -to what end one cannot help but wonder- but the protesters managed to stop them.

The Cyber Observer offers a suggestion as to why the soldiers wanted to storm the hospital:

“According to some eye-witnesses, 02 people were killed by security forces in Anosy. This information has been confirmed later by Fahazavana radio (this radio is back on air since today at 01.30pm Madagascar time - we do not know yet where its current location is and if it has been allowed by the ministry of telecommunication to broadcast again). The bodies of these 02 people are now at the HJRA hospital in Andrefan’Ambohijanahary.
According to another eye-witness, there were militaries who came to HJRA hospital to take the bodies of these 02 people. They were heavily armed. People around the premises of HJRA hospital did not allow them to do so. Now at the time I am typing this post, Fahazavana radio is calling people to go to Andrefan’Ambohijanahary to protect HJRA hospital”

Back in February, on Red saturday, Ando Ratovonirina, one cameraman of the television station RTA was killed in the line of action by the soldiers of the then embattled Marc Ravalomanana. Two months later, this time again, a professional journalist of the same television station, Razafindraibe, was killed by Andry TGV Rajoelina's government, also in the line of action.

Freedom of speech still evades Madagascar. Fijery writes a sober analysis of the lack of impact of journalism on Malagasy life :

“…qu’est-ce qu’une vie de journaliste dans un pays ou même la sacro-sainte Constitution n’est pas respectée ? La presse a déja payé un lourd tribut dans cette crise, avec deux décès et plusieurs agressions. Et vu le faible niveau de respectabilité de la pratique politique et des politiciens dans notre pays, il est inutile pour les journalistes Malgaches d’adopter littéralement la devise de Jean-Jacques Rousseau : Vitam impendere vero.”

Razily's arrest - courtesy of radotiana.blaogy.com

The HAT is now de facto leading Madagascar, since the former President Marc Ravalomanana opted not to resign but has instead transferred power to a military Directorate. Under duress , (the details can be witnessed on a youtube.com video and the American ambassador bears witness to the events, as he was also threatened with weapons pointed at him ), the Directorate then transferred power to the HAT. The HAT has since been duly recognized as a legal authority by Madagascar's Haute Cour Constitutionnelle de Justice which is responsible of making sure that the laws of land and the constitution are being respected in Madagascar.

No countries have so far recognized the HAT and its new President, Andry Rajoelina, the youngest African president ever, who under the Malagasy constitution, is still six years too young to even be on a Presidential election ballot ! And the former Malagasy President, Marc Ravalomanana, barely escaped from his Palace and is now seeking refuge in South Africa and Swaziland.

The Southern African Development Community and the African Union , while harboring themselves some countries that are no slouches in the antidemocratic and human rights violations department, have taken the stand that they will not tolerate putsches amongst their members and have not only banned Madagascar from their midst but are also considering sanctions.

Many western countries such as Norway and the United States have stopped aid to Madagascar and concerns have been raised on how the poverty stricken country which relies on aid for 80% of its budget will manage to hold its head above water, although the HAT has now declared its intentions on selling Ravalomanana's private jet recently purchased $60 million Air Force One/Two jet to replenish its coffers, at least in the short term. France which was accused by some as having, if not engineered the coup, then at the very least of supporting it, has been doing some amends of its own, saying now that it still considered Ravalomanana as Madagascar's President according to the constitution.

Such is the mind boggling and categorization defying political crisis that bloggers and twitterers are striving to report on. Online content about the crisis have been plentiful and have attracted international attention. Our colleague, Lova Rakotomalala, has been the subject of a Wall Street Journal article and a CNN interview for his dedication to relaying and translating Madagascar based twitterers' contributions. Another blogger, Solofo Rafeno, has been invited to a debate hosted by France24 News.

There are however some alarming developments that could hinder Malagasy twitterers and bloggers' reporting in the future. One website, Topmada.com, reports on March 30 that :

“20:00 - La police et les militaires ont arrêté certains journalistes et photographes pour les forcer à effacer leurs photos”

This information is confirmed by twitterers. Twitterer Thierry_ratsiz was held and forced to delete his pictures by the security forces.

thierry_ratsiz: #madagascar Ils m'ont juste prie de ne pas prendre photos (d'eux!!) et effacer photos, peur de photos diffuses sur internet!!
thierry_ratsiz: hola, interpele par les gendarmes pour avoir ete surpris en prenant des photos… :/ #madagascar

R1lita and Pakysse experienced the same thing as reported:

TRT @r1lita: @pakysse, other twitterer in #Madagascar, was also ordered to delete the photos he took in Antaninarina by police earlier.

But the most scary incident was reported by Avylavitra, one of the bloggers who has the most prolifically covered the crisis. He writes :

“Nahazendana ny maro ny zavatra nitranga teto satria tsy nanmpoizina velively: nisy iray tamin’ireo miaramila avy tao amin’ny RM1 izay nivoaka teo amin’ny arabe no tonga dia nanondro basy AHY no sady niteny hoe:
Miala any ny mpanaogazety, Tsy mila mpanao gazety eto. Miala sao tifiriko eo an.

Tsy nahita izay hatao aho no sady nanangana fotsiny ny karatra niantona tety ambozoko. Eo ambony Scooter aho amin’io raha mandeha an-tongotra kosa ny maro tamin’ireo mpanao gazety sy mpaka sary maro namana teny an-kianja mafana teny. Rehefa hitany fa tsy nihetsika aho no sady mbola nanangana ny karatra tety an-tanako, dia vao mainka niakatra ny feon’ilay ranamana. Tsy haiko na mpifehy ao amin’io toby io ilay zalahy iny, na iza. Fa ny fihetsika nataony aloha no niarahana nahita.

Nisy tamin’ireo mpanao gazety sasany no nihiaka niteny azy nanontany hoe :

Fa hatramin’ny oviana ny mpanao gazety no tsy mahazo maka sary sy manao ny asany. Sa efa niova indray koa ny lalàna?

Namaly ranamana no sady efa nikendry ny lohako. Ny elanelan’ny trotoir roa no manasaraka anay amin’io fotoana io. Hoy indrindra izy:

Rehefa hoe tsy mila mpanao gazety eto dia tsy mila, miala hoy aho sao tifiriko eo. Tifiriko ialahy an!’

Fahatsiarovana sady tsara no ratsy ho ahy iny ry zalahy namana. Kanefa tsy mba voatahiriko an-tsary, fa dia ny nanodina ny Scooter sy ny nidina ambanimbany namonjy ireo mpanao gazety sy mpaka sary sasany no nataoko sisa.

Koa miangavy anareo izay nahazo sary an’iny ’scène’ iny aho, tena miangavy. Mba omeo sary hotehiriziko, na farafaharatsiny, mba omeo rohy hahafahako mijery azy.

Enga anie ka ho anatra ho an’ireo miaramila rehetra ny namoahako ity lahatsoratro ity, fa aleo hivoaka ny marina sy ny nisy. Izay rahateo no ezahako ijoroana hatrany amin’ity GazetyAdaladala ity. “

mydago.com has a humorous take on this turn of events :

“Mais que peut internet contre des armes à feux ? Contre des lacrymogènes ? Contre des militaires en pick up et brodequins ? Et fusils ? Rien ! Mais absolument rien ! Alors quel est le problème ? Et puis Madagascar est une île. Laissez donc tranquille cette île. C’est bien une île. Il y a la mer autour. Et la prochaine terre est loin. Cà permet de tout cacher. Les violence, les excès, et tout. La dictature même. Les dictatures.

Mais aujourd’hui, plus rien ne va. Quand on fait un coup d’état, les militaires ne peuvent plus faire leur travail normalement comme avant. Les jeunes d’aujourd’hui sont intenables. Ils sont extrêmement ennuyeux !!! Ils prennent des photos et des vidéos. Ensuite ils les transmettent par internet à des sites. Qui ensuite les publient dans le monde entier. Ah, ils sont vraiment ennuyeux ces jeunes d’aujourd’hui. Il n’y a plus de valeurs. Ils ne respectent plus la force ! La force militaire !”

This post also appeared on Global Voices Advocacy

Ranaivoniarivo was appointed to the post only a few weeks ago, after Cecile Manorohanta resigned following the bloodshed of February 7th, when opposition protesters led by Andry TGV Rajoelina attempted to march on a Presidential palace, and were fired upon by the Presidential Guard.

There were reports that Vice-Admiral Mamy Ranaivoniarivo resigned under duress, as some mutinous soldiers held him prisoner, then made him write a letter which he read during a press conference.  The BBC reports:

“He read out a brief letter of resignation to reporters, but later suggested he may have been under pressure to leave his post.
“Perhaps I resigned under threat. I do not like it that Malagasy people are killing each other,” he said.”

Jentilisa comments on the resignation :

“Nandritra ny tontolo maraina izy no nohidiana birao, sady nohidiana rahateo vavahady fidirana ao amin'ny minisitera tsy nahafahany mivoaka. Efa karazana “gadra” izy izany raha tsy “takalon'aina”. Mampalahelo ny mahita fa ny ambany grady indray no mibaiko ny manamboninahitra jeneraly, ary nisy aza ny nandrahona azy, ka teo anatrehan'ny mpanao gazety no nanatanterahana izany fandrahonana izany indray (ankoatra izay tany amin'ny birao any). Maty hasina ny sata repoblikana, mitamberina an-tsaina ihany koa ny fanaon'ny mpampihorohoro any amin'ireny sarimihetsika ireny.”

After this resignation, the Army Chief issued an ultimatum:

“We implore all political players, civil society organisations and other parties to reunite immediately to find a solution within the next 72 hours to help the nation out of the current crisis,” said Gen Rasolomahandry.”

And today the mutiny leader, Colonel Ndrianarijaona, has seized control of the army.

“Col. Andre Ndrianarijaona told reporters Wednesday the army's chief of staff had agreed to hand over his post to him.

Ndrianarijaona said Gen. Edmond Rasolomahandry had agreed to the change after less than an hour of discussion at the army chief's offices. Rasolomahandry left without comment.

There was no immediate comment from President Marc Ravalomanana, who appointed Rasolomahandry last month.

Ndrianarijaona leads a group of soldiers who announced over the weekend they would no longer take orders from the president. Ndrianarijaona said Wednesday the army was united behind him.”

Soldiers were seen blocking streets, and twitterers reported rumors of Pro-TGV supporters going to invade ministries. The saddest part was the sight of Malagasy civilians fighting each other in the streets, fifteen were reportedly injured. Pakysse posts pictures.

More than ever, Malagasy bloggers are worried about the turn of events.

Tahina worries that civil war is looming, if it isn't here already:

“It’s no more safe to talk politics in a public area (buses included) because you don’t know who’s listening to you and on which side this one is. A simple rumour about you can harm you or your relatives. While I’m writing this post lootings are keeping up, SFOI Tanjombato is now among the victims.
Some friends and I talked to a foreigner who’s been in Madagascar for about 8 years now and raised the term “Civil War”. He said that Malagasy people are too peaceful and it’s hard to think of such a thing here. I do hope he’s right.”

Rado reports with pictures on yesterday's events.

On Malagasy Miray, a post fumes at what Malagasies are doing to their country:

“Voalaza mantsy fa hendry ramalagasy, voalaza fa mandala ny fihavanana sy ny firaisan-kina.   Kanefa inona ny nitranga? Ny andaniny mitady an’i Andry Rajoelina any amin’ny masoivoho frantsay, ny ankilany hanenjika ny PDS Guy Rivo eny Ampasapito sy ny manodidina rehefa tsy nahazo ny zanany teny Ambatobe tao amin’ny sekoly frantsay. Ny miaramila mihoko sy mitokona tsy handray baiko intsony fa hanao “V” amin’ny ratsan-tànana.   Ny mpandroba maneho eo anoloan’ny fianakaviambe iraisam-pirenena fa mahantra sy noana ka solosaina sy fahitalavitra no angalarina. Maratra, voa mafy misy koa ny maty. Haringana ve ny firenena? Hahetry ve ny toe-tsaina malagasy sy ireo soa toavina nolalain’ny razana?Inona re ity nataonao raMalagasy ô?! Mahamenatra sy marary toy ny tongo-bakivaky.”

Jentilisa tried to take some distance from the current crisis and asks if things are not larger than a Ravalomanana vs Rajoelina fight. What are we relinquishing here? Why are the soldiers mutining? He looks at history and sees parallels with the Merina army's disengagement during the Malagasy-French war of 1885, at the end of which the Malagasy were defeated, and Madagascar became a protectorate, then a colony.

“Toa tsy niraharaha ny ady loatra ny mpitari-tafika Malagasy, indrindra fa tamin’ireo Jeneraly efa nananan’ny Malagasy ihany koa. Teo Andriba ihany no mba nisy karazana ady mafana teo amin’ny Malagasy, fa ny ankoatra izany dia tena tsy nisy na inona na inona nataon’ireo tafika mihitsy. Inona no antony? Ela nitondrana loatra manko ny praiminisitra Rainilaiarivony ka efa bebe ihany ireo tsy tia azy. Ny andaniny efa mpankasitraka ny Frantsay koa faly kokoa mahita an’i Rainilaiarivony fa jamba teo amin’ny fijerena ny hoe ho lasan’ny Frantsay anie i Madagasikara fa sombintsombiny ihany no omeny anao izay faly tsy mahita fa ny fiandrianam-pirenena Malagasy no rava fa tsy hoe Rainilaiarivony ihany no miongana”.

Tomavana also finds lessons in history and the role that the army should play :

“As the days pass, the list of deaths related to clashes in Madagascar continues to lengthen. In Geneva also the army formerly fired at demonstrators. The difference is that the people of Geneva has learned their lessons from history: the army is not trained to maintain public order, the army is shaped to defend a territory in the war.”

Meanwhile the opposition leader Andry TGV was reported to be under UN protection by the UN envoy, but then the UN Headquarters denied the information and said that Andry TGV was under French protection, then French Embassy officials said that Andry TGV was now in the hands of the Catholic church, but other reports say he is in an unspecified location for his own security. But now apparently he is back safe and sound in his house in Ambatobe, protected by mutineers, and is refusing to participate in the national talks that the United Nations and Western powers insisted to keep him safe and sound for !

The presidentially-appointed new mayor of Antananarivo has lost his home in burnings and lootings by a mob of TGV supporters. And Ravalomanana was said to be blocked by the army from accessing the presidential plane, allegedly to flee the country. The French Embassy saw Ravalomanana supporters protesting French meddling into Malagasy affairs.

Solofo wonders if the UN and France's protection of Andry means they are now supporting coups:

“Ainsi Andry s'est fait exfiltré à la Résidence de l'Ambassadeur de France et ceci sous la ‘protection' de l'ONU; du jamais vu dans la gestion des différents crises politiques dans le monde d'autant plus que l'ONU et les autres organisations internationales comme l'OUA ont toujours prôné pour le respect des Institutions comme principe de base.

Est-ce un signal officiel de soutien à l'insurrection et au Coup d'état en cours à Madagascar par l'ONU?…Cette ‘protection' ne constitue pas un support officiel au Coup d'état mais un moyen de pousser tout le monde à s'entendre pour esquisser ensemble une ‘cohabitation' à tous les étages (au gouvernement, au Sénat et dans des instances de contrôle ad-hoc qui seront créés pour prendre en compte les révendications de l'Opposition), et ceci tout en respectant la Constitution et les échéances éléctorales.”

Solofo also regrets that Ravalomanana, who has publicly apologized for the mistakes he made during his seven years as president, has taken so long to recognize his wrongs:

” Cette solution a été et reste la seule voie raisonnable et bénéfique pour le pays d'autant plus qu'apparemment Ravalomanana a finalement décidé de faire son auto-critique en public aujourd'hui. Bien entendu, il faut le voir en action dans les jours et mois à venir mais je trouve dommage qu'il ait mis tant de temps avant de muer. “

Jentilisa reacts strongly at the news that the French Embassy was harbored by the French Embassy :

“Raha niainga ny mpiaro ny ara-dalàna teny Mahamasina dia ny hitaky ny hanalana an'i Andry TGV any amin'ny Ambasady Frantsay no antony, sy ny tsy hitsabahan'i Frantsa amin'ny raharahan-tokantranon'i Madagasikara. Mampihomehy indrindra manko raha olona “nialokaloka” teo alohaloha teo no afaka mandehandeha soa aman-tsara eto Madagasikara, afaka mikabary amin'ny famoriana olona eto Madagasikara, nefa mody any amin'ny masoivoho Frantsay rehefa avy eo. Tsy nitsipaka ny vaovao rahateo moa ny fitondrana Frantsay fa dia nilaza ny hanalana azy fotsiny avy eo. Dia io fa feno miaramila mpioko io manodidina ny tranony eny Ambatobe amin'izao fotoana izao.”

“When legalists left the meeting in Mahamasina, it was to demand Andry TGV's removal from the French Embassy and for France to stop meddling in Malagasy affairs. It is ridiculous if a “protected” person can now move freely here in Madagascar, make speeches, then go home safely to the French Embassy. The French government did not refute the news, but simply said that TGV was not in French compounds anymore. Now there are mutined soldiers all around his house in Ambatobe.”

Eight months ago, Ravalomanana had rejected Gildas Le Lidec's appointment as French ambassador. He thought he was “bad luck”, due to his propensity to be present in African countries where coups and assassinations happen…

Threats are being made and rumors being spread, all contributing to a climate of terror that prohibits peace and normal life.

Jentilisa, a blogger who has not given his support to Andry Rajoelina's protest movement, reports receiving threats:

“Alina fahatelo aho izao no misy fanelingelenana (harcelement nocturne)(amin'ny 12 alina, 2 ora, 4 ora ary @ 5 sy sasany maraina) amin'ny alalan'ny antso finday hatrany ary tsy menatra ny mampiseho ny laharan'ny findainy izy nefa rehefa antsoina tsy mamaly.”

Les Nouvelles report attacks on the home of Lala Rasendrahasina ,the leader of the FJKM
(Fiangonan'i Jeso Kristy eto Madagascar - Association of Protestant Churches in Madagascar). The FJKM is now serving as mediator in the negotiation talks between Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, in the power struggle that has paralyzed the island since January. The FJKM was seen by some as being too close to Ravalomanana.

“Finalement, ils ont essayé de repérer les assaillants en scrutant prudemment l’extérieur, mais impossible pour eux d’identifier qui que ce soit. Au hasard, l’un des agents a visé sur une ombre, et son tir s’est avéré suffisant pour faire fuir les agresseurs.”

News2Dago does not find these attacks surprising:

“Manarak'izany dia mitohy hatrany fampihorohorona ny olona mpanelanelana ankehitriny satria dia nisy nitoraka sy nihaodihaody ny manodidina ny tranon'ny filohan'ny Fjkm Lala Rasendrahasina. Tsy mahagaga izany satria dia dradraina ao @ radio viva isan'andro oe mpiray tsikombakomba @ mpitondra jadona.”

The Order of Malagasy Journalists calls its colleagues

“for more restraint and to stop the hatred, incitement, rumors and misinformation in their news items and editorial line.”

Some journalists have been heard inciting mobs to hatred on various radio stations, especially the TGV VIVA radio station. Journalists have shamelessly designated some individuals as “Enemies of the People”, while giving information on their homes and license plate numbers on the radio. These “Enemies of the People” are then targeted by mobs and their homes are burned down or looted.

“Mba meteza kely fotsiny eo @ toeran'ireo voaromba ireo mpanao gazety manondro molotra ireo mba manana vady aman-janaka ihany. Ovay ihany koa ny fomba fanao fa mbola tsy tara. Tao aorinan'ny 17 janoary no nankaty izao dia maro ireo olona voaroba. I Moxe Ramandimbilahatra, nanaraka azy omaly i Eugène Randriamiandrisoa teo koa i Saholimalala izay mpanolotsainam-paritra ny antoko Tim dia farany izay natao antsoantso omaly t@ radio viva dia i Jaquot ny tarika Green. Lazaina fa fahavalom-bahoaka daholo ireo olona ireo dia robaina ny fananany.”

On Wednesday, Ravalomanana organized a rally attended (according to AFP) by 30,000 supporters (according to DW the number was 50,000).

The rally was deemed successful, as people came in droves despite pouring rain, as reported by tgoose.

“Finally! the incumbent speaks up and his people show Madagascar and the world that they are not interested in a new government being forced upon them. I was really starting to wonder what Ravalomana could do. I hope this is the beginning of a realisation for the Malagasy people… Wouldn’t that be great?
There was about 30,000 people inside of the arena and about 10,000 outside of the arena, all standing in the rain supporting their country and democracy. Most inside where shouting “Arrest TGV!” repeatedly (which is not a bad idea) and carrying around banners that say “Tsy Mila TGV” (We dont need TGV)!”

Singers were invited to perform, among them Samoela, whose song “President” seems now prescient in describing this power struggle:

“si je serai président par hasard
nous on saura jamais,
seul dieu le sait
mais s'il mettra un conard au pouvoir
j'aimerai bien m'y voir”

Other artists declined at the last minute, citing threats from the Andry Rajoelina TGV camp, while it was reported that journalists tried their hands at intimidating artists to stop them from participating in the incumbent president's rally.

“Rolly Mercia du quotidien La Vérité aurait déclaré sur la radio Viva que les artistes qui se produiront à Mahamasina pour la contre manifestation pacifique, pourraient avoir des répercussions sur leur carrière professionnelle. L’animatrice de Viva aurait aussitôt donné une liste de noms d’artistes censés se produire à Mahamasina.”

A comment, by Razz, severely criticizes those who attended the Ravalomanana Rally:

“Faut-il rappeler que cette fête que le parti Tim compte tenir à Mahamasina se passe au moment où les citoyens malgaches sont encore en douleur suite à la tuerie volontaire d’une centaine de personne trois jours plutôt à Ambohitsorohitra. Par ailleurs, le show artificiel de Mahamasina coïncide à la commémoration de la date d’assassinat du colonel Ratsimandrava le 11
février 1975. De qui se moque-t-on ? « Seuls les ‘danseurs de nuit’ (mpamosavy) qui jubilent et s’éclatent sur la douleur et le décès de leur voisin », s’indigne une mère de famille habitant dans un bas quartier de la capitale pour faire allusion au show de Ravalomanana à Mahamasina”

Worse, some in the South of Madagascar warn that some are ready to launch ethnic fighting.

“Nanaitra ihany anefa ny fitarainan'ny loholona voafidy sy voatendry avy any fa misy ny mikononkonona ady an-trano (fomba filaza ampahibemaso ny hevitra ambadiky ny ikonokononana fandrobana fa ankehitriny kosa tadiavina hanaovana fandripahana ny Merina - sy ny Betsileo - monina any amin'iny faritra iny). Efa nisy anefa ny olona milaza (na mieritreritra) fa tena ao anatin'ny teti-panorona mihitsy io fandripahana olona toy izay nitranga tany Rwanda namonoan'ny Hutu ny Tutsi tamin'ny 1994 io.”

In these uncertain times, no real objective news is available, and the propaganda machines are spreading mad (or not so mad?) rumors that contribute to a climate of terror and uncertainty on the island.

Rumors that Ravalomanana has fled the country, rumors spread back in January:

“Unconfirmed reports claim that Andry TGV told the crowd that President Ravalomanana left the country.”

Rumors on protesters of both camps being bribed:

“Les manifs sont devenues une source intéressante de revenus en ces temps de crise économique d’autant que les deux partis n’hésitent pas à payer.

“Pour la ville d’Antanifotsy, trois cars sont partis ce matin en destination du stade Mahamasina. Les personnes à bord ont déjà empoché 75.000 Fmg par tête, selon les témoins oculaires sur place. Dans la capitale, des chefs dans l’administration ont mis une pression à leurs subordonnés pour se rendre à Mahamasina. “

This website posts a picture of a certain blue car from which TGV supporters would have received money on Saturday February 07, 2009, before the bloodshed.

Other alarming rumors keep swirling:

Rumors about looters and proTGV protesters getting ready to destroy whatever is left of Ravalomanana's stores in Antsirabe:

“Araka ny fanampim-baovao azoko dia ny karana sy izay olona rehetra niara-niasa tamin'ny TIKO rehetra no nokasaina horobaina tany Toliary sy hovonoina mihitsy. Re ihany koa fa miomankomana ihany koa ny jiolahim-boto na mety ho mpanohana ny TGV na mpandroba tsotra handroba sy handoro izay sisa tsy potika sy tsy may tamin'ny fananan-dRavalomanana Ao Antsirabe ao amin'izao ora hanaovana fanampim-baovao izao (10:30 eo amin'ny piste fanaovana hazakazan-tsoavaly ry zalahy amin'izao fotoana izao ho an'izay mahalala an'Antsirabe). Efa nampitandrina anefa ny mpitandro ny filaminana fa hitifitra avy hatrany ry zareo na tsy “zone rouge” ary ny toerana kasain-dry zareo horobaina sy odorana.”

Rumors that the French envoy has called Andry TGV “president”, and rumors that the French Embassy has denied his having done so :

“L’Ambassade de France aurait démenti les propos d’Andry TGV tenus sur la place du 13 Mai hier. Celui-ci avait déclaré que durant les entretiens d’hier, Mr Joyandet l’aurait salué en utilisant le terme de “Mr le Président” “

Rumors on Andry TGV being the target of mercenaries (spread by Andry TGV himself):

“Andry Rajoelina a été victime d’une attaque des mercenaires sur la route digue dans la nuit du dimanche 9 février dernier selon les révélations qu’il a faites sur la Place 13 mai. (…)
Rumeur ou réalité ; les preuves font pour l’instant défaut dans tous les dires de Andry Rajoelina. Il se dit à maintes reprises être l’objet d’un mandat d’arrêt. Jusqu’à présent aucune photocopie d’un quelconque mandat d’arrêt n’a été révélée. Il a déjà affirmé être poursuivie par des personnes inconnues, sans apporter de preuve concrète.”

Rumors about some hotels harboring mercenaries (spread by Andry TGV himself) and refuted by the hotels:

“Andry Rajoelina a aussi pointé du doigt l’hôtel restaurant Papango en fa ce de la Place 13 mai, d’héberger un tireur d’élite qui serait en charge de le tuer”
“Accusé par des manifestants de la Place 13 mai d’avoir abrité des tireurs d’élite samedi 7 février dernier, l’Hôtel du Louvres sis à Antaninarenina et accolé au ministère des Finances, dément. L’autre établissement hôtelier, Le Colbert, sis lui aussi dans les parages, précise que l’établissement appartient exclusivement à des particuliers et Marc Ravalomanana n’a
aucune part dans son capital comme on veut le faire croire. Le Colbert aussi a été soupçonné d’avoir abrité des tireurs, auteurs du massacre ce samedi ensanglanté du 7 février dernier.”

Dizzying rumors that prompt a comment on Jentilisa's blog:

“aiza kay no tena misy lahatsoratr'olontsotra fa tsy mpanao gazety fa toy ity anao ity ihany, fa izany hoe tena olona tsy miandany @atsy na ny aroa fa tena mba milaza ny zavamisy objectivement?”

In all this mess, R1lita is desperate for peace and the right to a normal regular life.

“I think people here just want to live in peace. They want to go to work or to school without the fear of being trapped in riots, or taken by force to join those who are on strike. Shop owners want to open their businesses and be sure that no one will loot and burn them. We are fed up with this feeling of permanent insecurity.The last protest [Andry Rajoelina's protest] didn’t draw as many followers as before still people are wary because nothing is sure yet. Even though we are back to our daily life we don’t know what will happen tomorrow.”

The crowd had marched to the palace where it wanted to install Monja Roindefo. Roindefo had minutes before been nominated “Prime Minister” by Andry Rajoelina, himself proclaimed “President”, by the protestors that started demonstrating in December, when Andry Rajoelina's TV station was shut down by the Ravalomanana government. The protests have since become violent, resulting in lootings and riots, and with its supporters demanding Ravalomanana's resignation.

Among the victims of Red Saturday was Ando Ratovonirina, a 26 year old cameraman for the television station RTA. He is no stranger to the Malagasy Global Voices team, as he was the one who reported on citizen media in Antananarivo, as encouraged by FOKO, a Rising Voices grantee.

Bloggers have reacted strongly to the news, struggling to understand what circumstances led Malagasies to fire upon each other. Bloggers discuss who bears final responsibility for the massacre: those who incited, then led, demonstrators to the presidential palace, knowing that it was marked a “red zone” and that the soldiers there would have liberty to fire upon anyone violating the “red zone”, therefore creating “martyrs” for a protest movement running out of steam; or those who gave the orders to shoot.

“Pour provoquer la sortie de l’impasse créée par une auto-proclamation, les tenants de la prise de pouvoir insurrectionnelle emmènent la foule marcher sur un Palais présidentiel. Classés zones rouges, ces bâtiments sont protégés par un régime de protection spéciale qui expose les contrevenants au pire.
Quel que soit le Président en fonction, quel que soit le Palais concerné, quel que soit l’opposant qui mène la foule, quelle que soit la cause à défendre, quels que soient les militaires, les règles sont immuables : on ne peut impunément pénétrer dans un Palais d’Etat.”

Solofo, Avylavitra and Barijaona were eyewitnesses.

Solofo posts pictures of before and after the shootings and pointedly wants his readers to notice a certain man wearing a grey tie and black suit. The same man is apparently shown in a video posted on topmada.com .

“Hitifitra hono izy… Tsy misy vahoaka mihemotra izany eo.”

Barijaona :

“J'étais persuadé que tout avait été négocié à l'avance, que la foule resterait gentiment à distance, que seule une petite délégation entrerait à l'intérieur des grilles du palais et que c'est cette délégation qui demanderait ensuite à la foule de se disperser.
J'étais trop loin pour savoir ce qui s'est passé dans la foule peu avant que le cordon de sécurité ne lâche. Si un responsable du mouvement a laissé entendre qu'on pouvait “y aller”, sa responsabilité est énorme.
Je ne peux parler que de ce que j'ai vu et entendu de mes propres yeux, mais ai trouvé étonnant que Andry Rajoelina et Monja Roindefo soient restés à l'écart des délégations négociant l'entrée dans les grilles du palais.”

Avylavitra wonders if laws are void during exceptional times like these:

“Satria tokoa mantsy na aiza na aiza, dia ny vahoaka no tompon’ny fahefana fa mpindrana fotsiny ny mpitondra. Ka raha vahoaka haka izay nampindraminy no andraisana azy ireo, tsy ho azo natao ve ny nifampiresaka taminy? Raha ny fandraisako azy mants (tsy asiko firehana an!), dia rehefa tonga amin’ny fara-tampony toy izao ny fitakian’ny vahoaka, dia efa lasa ambonin’ny lalàna rehetra izany fitakiana izany, ka mihisaka maka zoron-trano daholo aloha na ny Lalampanorenana, na ny hafa. Diso ve aho? Raha eny, mba hazavao ny saiko.”

He writes about his visit to the injured at the HJRA hospital and posts pictures of the wounded and dead (Warning: very explicit pictures).

Tsy nitsahatra ny fivezivezen’ireo taxi sy fiaran’olon-tsotra ary fiara mpamonjy voina hatramin’ny fito ora hariva (19h) nialako teny amin’ny HJRA androany. Noho ny fahafenoan’ny toerana tao amin’ny tranom-paty dia nisy tamin’ireo razana no napetraka teny ambony bozaka teo an-tokontany aloha mandra-pandamina ny tao anatiny. Be ireo olona tsara sitrapo no namonjy hainga ny HJRA mba hanone maimaim-poana ny rany ho vonjy aina. Hatramin’ny karana aza dia tonga teny. Nanontany azy ireo aho ny amin’ny antony nahatongavany teny hanome rà. Sao mba misy havany marary ao. Rehefa tonga tety tokoa mantsy ka natao ny fanisana faramparany azoko natao talohan’ny nialako ny hopitaly dia dimampolo latsaka ny maty voatifitra. Ny naratra moa dia miditra isaky ny minitra angamba. Misy ny afaka nalefa nody fa ratra vokatry ny fifanosehana kely, fa nisy ireo nojerem-potsiny fa tsy nisy azo natao aminy intsony, nefa tsy vitan’ireo mpitsabo koa ny tonga dia hanatitra olona miala aina ho any amin’ny tranom-paty avy hatrany.

He also reports on people's reactions on radio:

“Ireo onjam-peo izay henoina amin’izao ora izao dia mikiaka valifaty noho ny rà latsaka , ary mitaky ny fisamborana an-dRavalomanana daholo izay antso an-tarobia tafiditra. Miantso tody ihany koa ho amin’ny taranak’ingahy Ravalomanana, ary misy mihitsy aza ny midradradra ny amin’ny hisamborana sy hamonoana azy.”

Jentilisa writes on immediate reactions in the streets after and during the shootings, with other reactions than those cited by Avylavitra. He also reports on opportunists who pounced on the occasion to wreak more havoc and loot some more:

“Ny nahavariana, teny Soarano indrindra aho no nandre ny tifitra voalohany, fa nikoropaka avokoa na dia ny olona tany aza. Samy nandositra avokoa na ny mandeha an-tongotra na ny mpitondra fiarakodia ka nisy ny tsy nahatandri-tena intsony ka nodonin'ny fiara izay nanavotr'aina ihany koa. Mafy dia mafy ny nahazo ilay ramatoa voadona… Tsitapitapitr'izay fa nikatona avokoa ny toeram-pivarotana rehetra. Maro tamin'ny mpivarotra amoron-dalana no nanangona ny entany. Tsy niala tamin'ny toerany kosa anefa ny atsasaky ny mpivarotra teny Isotry (tsena ny andro Asabotsy) izay mihevitra fa tsy hanenjika olona hatreny kosa ny mpitandro ny filaminana. Nahare poa-basy koa ny teny Besarety, nahavariana ihany io raha ny halavitry ny toerana no heverina, hay saiky hisy hamaky avy hatrany indray ny shoprite teo Ambodivona izay tsy vaky nandritra ny andron'ny talata 27 janoary 2009. (…)
Nitantara mivantana avokoa manko ny ankamaroan'ny fampielezam-peo tamin'ity vanim-potoana “lehibe” ity… ka maro tamin'ireo tsy mankasitraka ny tolona no efa mitaintaina nahatonona mihitsy hoe “tifiro! tifiro amin'izay!” ary mba nahatonona koa izy ireo hoe “ela loatra koa izy izany!”. Malahelo aho milaza aminareo fa maro tamin'ireo izay tsy niomana ho eny, no nahasahy nilaza mihitsy hoe “nahazo izay notadiaviny izy izany!” ka toa tsy antra fo tamin'izay niharam-pahavoazana mihitsy aza. Ny mpankasitraka ny tolona sy izay nankeny Ambohitsorohitra kosa (ny teny Isotry no tena nohenoiko) dia mamerimberina hatrany fa “ny mpikarama an'ady” (ilay laingalainga nafafy hatry ny ela) no nitifitra fa tsy nisy Malagasy nitifitra izany. Maro tamin'izy ireo no nanozona ny filoha Ravalomanana sy nilaza azy ho mpamono olona. Inona koa? ny filoha Ravalomanana sy ny Praiminisitra no naneho voalohany ny fiaraha-miory sahady… fa i Andry Rajoelina kosa tamin'ny 18:30 vao nanao izany sady “nitomany” nanameloka an-dRavalomanana ho tompon'andraikitra amin'izao vono-olona izao. “

Jentilisa also analyzes the two only possible outcomes of Saturday's rally when Andry Rajoelina nominated Monja Roindefo, as “prime minister” of his governement:

“Tranga roa no tsy maintsy hitranga nanomboka ny tolakandro ka efa tafakatra teny Antaninarenina amin'izay ireo olona (miala tsiny mivantambantana miteny hoe ny avy any ambany tanàna no tena maro an'isa tamin'ny fitarihana sy fialohavana teny ampilaharana tonga teny Antaninarenina): Na mitifitra ny mpitandro ny filaminana na may Ambohitsorohitra, ireo ihany, tsy misy hafa. Raha nanaiky ny hidiran'ny vahoaka ny lapan'Ambohitsorohitra ny miaramila tao anatiny dia mivandravandra fa tsy mifehy ny tafika intsony ny filoha Ravalomanana ka tsara ho azy ny miala ny toerany avy hatrany. Ny olona koa etsy andaniny efa mihorakoraka ny “ela loatra” ary tsy maintsy handroso (”jusqu'à la mort” hoy ny tarigetran'ny mpanohana ny TGV izay). Ny zavatra nahavariana dia tsy niakatra nankeny Antaninarenina mihitsy i Andry fa ny lalana mody ny azy no nasiany olona, noho izany dia ny Jly Dolin Rasolosoa no tena nandrindra ny fihetsiketsehana rehetra sy ny fifampiresahana tamin'ny mpitandro ny filaminana. Ny “Praiminisitra” vao notendrena Monja Roindefo Zafitsimivalo kosa moa dia karazana kofehy manara-panjaitra ihany.”

POV, a cartoonist, wonders what led the demonstrators to rush towards armed soldiers:

“Puis les coups de feu ont éclaté. Les enquêtes démontreront peut-être ce qui s’est passé. Je doute que ceux qui étaient en première ligne allaient se ruer sur une rangée de soldats prêts à tirer. Je soupçonne que la pression de la foule en arrière les a poussés à faire un pas trop loin, vers la zone sécurisée.”

POV condemns Andry Rajoelina's actions :

“En lâchant sa foule sur le palais présidentiel, il a su (et espéré ?) qu’il y aurait certainement de la casse. Tel un général sur le champ de bataille, il se tient en retrait, observant les manœuvres de sa troupe, dirigée par ses lieutenants.
De tous les endroits où il pouvait envoyer sa horde, il a choisi le palais présidentiel. Symbolique, certes, mais c’est également une zone rouge – un site où les gardes sont autorisées, voire tenues d’ouvrir le feu sur ceux qui outrepassent les limites. Il a galvanisé la foule de rhétoriques du genre « entrez-y, le palais présidentiel appartient au peuple ! » Selon des témoignages, les gens ont d’abord flotté autour du site. Des pourparlers étaient en cours entre les lieutenants de Andry Rajoelina et les chefs de la garde présidentielle.”

News2Dago reproduces a column written by Valiavo Nasolo Andriamihaja, where the latter wonders if President Ravalomanana is still in charge in the country and calls for him to resign if he has lost control:

“Impiry impiry, hatramin’ny nanombohan’izao raharaha izao, no nitsangana sy niteny ny olona maro sady tsy momba ny atsy no tsy momba ny aroa : «mampidi-kizo izao fiziriziriana izao, tsy maintsy ny resaka no vaha-olana». Tsy misy nihaino isika.(…)
Ilay Filoham-pirenena, tsy hita, tsy nandrenesam-peo, mahabe ahiahy ny olon-tsotra manara-dalàna sady tsy tia korontana. Raha mba miteny indray, lavitra loatra, toa zary miafina, sanatria toa efa lositra. Fa Fanjakana inona loatra ity eto amintsika ity ? Tompon’andraikitra amin’ny haja sy voninahitra fotsiny fa mialangalana rehefa misy fahasahiranana ? Ianao ihany, Ravalomanana, no nihomehy ilay mpiandry omby miandry omby tokana : «tsy fantatra intsony, hoy ianao, iza no sefo, izy sa ilay omby». Mbola sefo ve ianao, Ravalomanana ?”

A feeling echoed by a commenter on Avylavitra's blog:

“Maninona raha noraisina fotsiny ireo solo tenan’ny mpitokona dia nosamborina raha nilaina dia naparitaka fotsiny ny olona avy eo ? Raha tsy mandray andraikitra haingana ianao sy ny gouvernemantanao eny fa na amin kery aza raha ilaina hampandeha ny raharaha andava,andro dia tokony ary rariny raha mametra pialana ianao.”

On rumors spread by the VIVA and Antsiva stations, both supporters of Andry Rajoelina, that the presidential guard did not warn before shootings and on the rumored presence of weapons among the demonstrators, Jentilisa comments on Avylavitra's blog:

“Miarahaba anao rahalahy! Tamin’ny vaovao manokana navoakan’ny Tvplus voalohany indrindra tamin’ny Asabotsy dia nisy iny tovolahy naratran’ny bala tamin’ny tongony iny. Nisy nibata ilay zalahy io ka rehefa napetraka tamin’ny tany tao amin’ny toerana vonjimaika hitsaboana ilay zalahy dia nisy bala niraraka avy tamin’ilay olona sivily nibata io naratra io. Tsy niverina intsony ilay ampahantsary fa notapahina nandritra ny vaovao manokana hafa rehetra tamin’io andro io. Midika izany fa “nisy” nitondra fiadiana avy taty amin’ny vahoaka, izay nolazain’i Andry Rajoelina tamin’ny resaka nifanaovana tao amin’ny Viva TV androany, fa na nitondra fitaovam-piadiana aza ny vahoaka araka ny nambarany tsy tokony hamaly mihitsy ny mpitandro ny filaminana.”

Finally, Lomelle and Pakysse both write moving hommages to Ando, the journalist who lost his life while covering the rally and the siege of the Presidential Palace. 

In December, Rajoelina, a DJ and advertising tycoon turned Antananarivo's mayor, mobilized his supporters when the government shut down his television station, VIVA. Now, it seems his tens of thousands of followers will demand not only restoration of democracy and freedom of speech, but also control of government.

Two scheduled negotiation talks between Ravalomanana and Rajoelina have been canceled.

The mayor has been able to tap into Malagasy growing discontent and disapproval of the current regime to gather a following. This Saturday, on the Place du Treize Mai, in front of tens of thousands of supporters, Andry Rajoelina has proclaimed himself the new leader of Madagascar.

“Since the president and the government have not taken their responsibilities… I will run all national affairs as of today,” he said.

He has also announced plans to impeach Ravalomanana, the current elected president, who has according to him, disrespected the Malagasy constitution.

As reported by Avylavitra (who posted pictures on his flickr account as well) :

“Notanisaina teny an-kianja daholo androany ireo teboka efa ho folo lazain’ireo mpomba an’i Andry fa fanitsakitsahana lalampanorenana nataon’Atoa Ravalomanana Marc, ka tafiditra ho isan’ny tena antony azo analana azy amin’ny toerany, ka isan’izany ny resaha ‘haute trahison’ momba ny fanafarana mpikarama an’ady hamono ny taranaka Malagasy, ny fanaovana fanavakavahana ara-pinoana sns….

Teny ampamaranana ny fotoana, rehefa ela no niandrasan’ny vahoaka azy, dia nivoaka ihany ilay fanambarana lehibe nataon’i Andry Rajoelina, ka nanabaràny fa izy ny mitondra vonjimaika ny tetezamita, ary manome baiko sy mitantana ny raharaha rehetra. Nisy ny fanaingany ny tafika sy ireo ministera isan-tokony mba hanaraka ny baikony.”

News2Dago wonders if this is democracy:

“Toy izao ilay atao oe vahoaka  maro an'isa izany oe 80.000/20.000.000 na koa oe 0,004 % no hadidy sy hanapaka ny tany sy ny fanjakana. Dia atao ahoana izany ireo vahoaka tsy milahatra tsy tia korontana kanefa tsy sahy maneho hevitra fa ampitahorina bemiranga sy olona milanja basy handromba sy hanampim-bava. Demokrasia ny bandy bokona sy beloha no tiana hanjaka eto @ tanana.”

Madagascan wonders what will happen next:

“…une question se pose tout de même: La solidité de ses soutiens au sein de l'armée et des forces de l'ordre? Jusqu'à présent, aucun évènement n'a pu démontrer la supériorité d'un camp ou d'un autre au niveau des forces armées. Cette déclaration sera donc le grand test pour Andry Rajoelina.
En tout cas, cela ôte tout doute sur le fait que le maire d'Antananarivo possède des soutiens dans la classe politique d'opposition, qui ont préparé cette confrontation. Tout seul, il n'y serait pas arrivé.
Le week-end risque d'être encore agité. La logique voudrait que Marc Ravalomanana lance un mandat d'arrêt contre Andry Rajoelina, et que ce dernier soit fait prisonnier dès aujourd'hui. Cela sera le premier grand test: Les forces de l'ordre vont-elles obéir?”

Meanwhile, Ravalomanana was seen in various coastal cities, the latest being Nosy Be, where according to the Presidential communication team, he gave the following speech:

“Je suis là pour discréditer les rumeurs, car à Antananarivo il est dit que tout Madagascar est en feu. Je constate que la vie de tous les jours continue. Il faut se concentrer sur le travail pour faire progresser les pays. Je suis aussi venu pour constater les dégâts causés par le vandalisme et les incendies. Nous suivons de près les fauteurs de troubles afin que vous réalisiez qu’il y a un Etat de droit à Madagascar. Le constat général est le suivant: les troubles sont causés par des groupes qui viennent de nulle part et soudainement, pour semer la panique. Nous respectons la Constitution et la légalité, et ce ne seront pas gens qui vandalisent et pillent qui vont déstabiliser notre nation. Nous sommes profondément désolés de ce qui s’est passé, mais nous allons travailler ensemble pour redresser l’économie. “

Yahoo Forum reactions to Andry Rajoelina's self-proclamation range from bewilderment, consternation to elation. Some see in Rajoelina's power grab a move to protect his personal interests and fortune. Others are just glad. Still others wonder if the people are not again the dupe of politicians.

“Que faut-il faire pour que le peuple malgache ne soit pas sacrifié au nom de quelques intérêts personnels.
Rendons nous compte: pour accéder au pouvoir, ces gens là osent parler de démocratie et sont prêts à faire des actes terroristes et prendre le pouvoir de force!!!”

“Manana “Filoha vaovao” aloha izao ny tenanay ka soava tsarà ingahy “ANDRY TGV”"

Others on the Sobika forum wonder about elections in Madagascar:

“Et le peuple malgache aura t'il son mot à dire? je ne me permets pas de juger mais il me semble que TGV devrait réclamer des élections? La seule légitimité démocratique peut donner un avenir à un homme ou une femme politique…ces méthodes d'auto proclamation sont d'un autre âge…”

Members of a Yahoo! forum are wondering how the situation in Madagascar degenerated into looting, general anarchy and the current power vacuum; how the crisis and general mayhem could have been avoided; and how the situation is different or similar to 2002, when eight months of political turmoil and violence shook Madagascar.  Then, ironically, it was the currently embattled President, Marc Ravalomanana, who was demanding democracy and was heralded as the people's choice.

“Ny fanontaniana mipetraka sy tonga ho azy dia ny hoe inona moa no mahasamihafa ny zavatra potika amin'izao taona 2008 izao amin'izay zavatra potika tamin'ny taona 2002? … Ka inona ary no vaha-olana tsy hiverenan'ny fanapotehana
intsony?”

Rajiosy titles in one of his posts that

“L'histoire se repete… en farce”

Rajiosy then retraces the history of Madagascar's political instability

• fikomian’ny mponina tany Atsimo - 1971.
• fitokonan’ny mpianatra oniversite - Mai 1972.
• fanenjehana merina tany Toamasina - 1972 na 1973 tsy tsaroako tsara intsony.
• fanonganam-panjakana tsy nahomby - Desambra 1974
• fikomian’ny GMP, fametraham-pialana, fandraisam-pahefana sy famonoana filoham-panjakana - Janvier/Février 1975.
• fanenjehana sy famonoana kômoriana tany Mahajanga - 1975.
• fitokonan’ny mpianatra indray notarihin’ny Pr Andriamampandry sy ny MAFM KTMA - 1977 izy izay.
• raharahan’ny kung fu sy ny TTS - 1979 (?)
• fifanenjehan’ny mafana sy ny miaramila tany avaratry ny nosy - 1979/80 tany ho any (?)
  fitokonam-be - 1991.
• fanalana ny filoha Zafy - 1994.
• fifidianana ady sahala tamin’i Zafy sy Ratsiraka. Itsy farany no “notendrena” ho filoha - 1996.
• fifidianana sy fitokonam-be ary gidragidra - 2002.
• rotadrotaka tetsy sy teroa Mahajanga / Toamasina / Fianarantsoa / Toliara - 2003 ka hatramin’ny 2006.
• fitakiana demôkrasia ho an’ny Viva - 2009

.

Burzano 2000 thinks we need to educate the masses in order to avoid the repetition of violence:

“Mila tadiavina (ianarana) ny lalana sy rafitra ahazoan'ny vahoaka maneho hevitra amim-pahatoniana sy tsy arahin-kerisetra. Mila tadiavina koa ny lalana ahazoan'ny eo amin'ny familiana amin'ny ambaratongam-pahefana rehetra mihaino ny feon'ny vahoaka sy manova famindra tsy arahin-kerisetra rehefa misy ilana izany. Mazava be ilay zava-nisy sy toa mbola misy iny hoe “Émeutes de la faim”. Aza adino fa be dia be ny olona efa tsy nihinana sakafo afa-tsy indray mandeha sy tapany isan'andro na latsak'izay aza raha tsy hiresaka afa-tsy ny ao Tana sy ny manodidina fotsiny aza.”

This opinion is seconded by Nasolo Valiavo Andriamihaja , a well known columnist at the daily Express de Madagascar, who thinks the chaos was predictable based on Malagasy history. He makes a strong case for teaching people to think independently and resist being used for political purposes :

“Inona no nitondra amin’izao tampin-dalana izao ka tsy efa nosoratana teto hatramin’ny 2002 ? Inona no mbola hitranga manaraka ka tsy efa hita soritra hatramin’ny 2002 ? Kitaontaona azo nihodivirana tsara mihitsy ny hitsin-dalana noraisin’ny fitondran-dRavalomanana. “
…
Tsy tojo izao fidinana an-dalambe izao sahady indray ny firenena raha nanana fanetren-tena ny fitondrana. Teny natao tamin-dRatsiraka izany tamin’ny 2001, teny naverina tamin-dRavalomanana hatramin’ izay fito taona izay. Ny anay, izay tsy hikatsoan’ny fiainam-pirenena fotsiny ihany. Ny orinasa mamokatra soa aman-tsara, ny fivarotana mitady fivelomana, ny aina sy ny fananan’ny tsirairay tsy misy ahiana, ny mpiasa tsy lany andro mitokona, ny mpianatra tsy very taona, ny raharaha politika mizotra milamina amin’ny fifidianana voafetra mialoha. Fiainana tsy mila voatsiary fa moramora toa ny any Amerika : ny 4 novambra, isaky ny efa-taona ihany, no misy fifidianana Filoha.
Ny ahiahinay dia ny hiverenan’izao isan-taona, isam-bolana, raha isaky ny mahatsiaro dia hiantso korontana, hamory vahoaka. …
Raha mbola tsangan’olona hatrany no harahin’ny Malagasy dia tsy hisy fandrosoana eto na hanova Filoha isam-bolana aza isika. Tsy misy izany Mesia izany, tsy misy izany fahagagana izany, ary adala izay mino fotsiny ihany. Fitaizana voalohany tsy tanteraky ny antoko politika sy ny mpitaiza isan-tsokajiny (média, société civile, fiangonana, sekoly, raiamandreny) tao anatin’izay dimampolo taona naha Repoblika ny tany izay. Tsy ny fitaomana azy hidina an-dalambe, izay miafara amin’ny faty olona na fandravana fananana, no fitaizana tsara indrindra omena ny vahoaka. Hita izao fa izay mitaona azy hitokona androany, hifoterany hikomy rahampitso.
Ilay hoe demokrasia, tsy kabary fotsiny. Vahoaka ampy fahalalana no fototry ny demokrasia. Tsy mihinana amam-bolony, tsy mankatoa fahatany, tsy manaran-drian-drano. Vahoaka mifidy manavaka fa tsy mandatsa-bato fotsiny. Vahoaka mandinika fa tsy manao rebik’ondry (2). Tsy vita izany tamin’ny 1972, tsy vita tamin’ny 1991, tsy vita tamin’ny 2002, mbola tsy tanteraka ihany indray 2009. Tsy azo ataon’ny mpahalala ny milavo lefona fa fanabeazana tsy maintsy hirosoana io, satria tsy hisy fahagagana rahateo koa. Sanatria mantsy izany hoe ozona ho an’i Madagasikara ny toy izao.”

“

Meanwhile, others passionately regret that the Malagasy politicians, those in power and those in the opposition, will not be the ones suffering most from the crisis:

“Ny politika Malagasy moa izany dia efa mahazatra fa miala an`Ankatso dia Ambohidepona, ny mampalahelo dia na ny mpitondra amin`izao na ny mpanotra dia olona tsy tena mijaly na koa tsy tena nijaly tamin`ny 2002 na 1991. Mba tsinjonareo ireo ve ireny mpivarotra anana eny antsena sy mpianatra nandeha tongotra 30 km nandroso sy niverina nandeha nakao antananarivo, mba tsinjonareo ve ilay mpampianatra amin`ny EPP, mpampianatra iray mampianatra kilasy 5 no sady tale, mba tsijonareo ve ny olona voan`ny rivodoza mila fanampiana nefa tsy misy manampy, mba tsijonareo ve ny olona mitady ny hoaniny isanandrosanandro, mba tsinjonareo ve ny mpibata entana na reraka aza dia miasa hatrany….indrisy ny an`ny mpanao politika malagasy rehetra dia haka fitondrana mba hampiadanany ny tenany…
Izaho manokana dia “halako” izay olona mampijaly ny Malagasy na mpitondra io na mpanohitra, ireo mamitaka ny tsy mahalala sy manao tohatra iakarana ireo sahirana; na tsy afa miteny aza ireo dia ny tody tsy misy fa ny atao no miverina. Dia tena firenena voahozona ve i Madagasika, tsy misy afatsin`ny mifampidera hery ve ny ain`ny mpanao politika Malagasy.
TOkony mandeha mitazona angadin`omby kely aloha ireo mpitondra fanjakana sy mpanohitra ireo mba ahatsapana hoe mafy ny miasa mamelotena sy mitady ny ho anina isan`andro, ario ny akanjo mianjaika be ireny dia mba miloloava vary amin`ny gony hatero ho an`ny traboina.”

And Tomavana laments that in all this chaos, the victims of cyclones which have last week devastated entire cities have all but been forgotten.

“Inona moa izany fa andro iray fanampiny tsy ahafahan’ireo traboina miantehitra afatsy amin’ny tenany ihany indray iny andro iray iny. Inona intsony koa moa no ambarako eo afatsy ny hoe raha mbola zo atao … dia aza mba mipetraka any amin’ny faritany ihany zalahy e !”

Since all television and radio stations have ceased broadcasting, the blogosphere is trying as well as it can to keep up with the fast degenerating situation with twitters and posts.

One prominent Malagasy website, Sobika.com, posts a timeline of events, among which are noted :

- 18h35 : Force One 2 a décollé à 17H50
- 17H59 : le PM a annulé sa déclaration. Des sources confirment la démission de plusieurs membres.
- 17H50 : rumeur de démission du gouvernement. A prendre au conditionnel faute de confirmation par les médias
- 16H30 Le PM devrait faire une déclaration dans les prochaines minutes. Marc Ravalomanana “introuvable”

The last twitters and blog posts say that Ravalomanana and family have fled Madagascar by plane.

Madagascar writes :

“Les rumeurs donnent Marc Ravalomanana “introuvable”. Son Premier Ministre serait à Toamasina, et ces mêmes rumeurs font état du blocage au sol de l'avion présidentiel par des officiels rebelles. Marc Ravalomanana chercherait à rejoindre Toamasina par hélicoptère.
D'autres rumeurs indiquent la présence de mercenaires congolais, à Antsiranana et/ou à Antananarivo pour protéger le Président.

Visiblement, l'armée refuse d'intervenir. A noter que les seuls coups de feu on été donnés pour protéger la station télévisée du Président (MBS). A noter que la foule n'a pas reculé, et que les militaires ont fui face à la foule.”

Bloggers lament the deaths, destruction and the looting. They also bemoan the uncertainties that await with the anarchy that reigns.

Leboda says :

“Very ilay maha-malagasy : mandady rariny, miara-midinika, mandala ny fihavanana, mitandro ny aina, …..”

As2Coeur is saddened by the violence:

“C’est comme un mauvais film qui ne cesse de tourner et de retourner sur le projecteur malgache. La population en furie se met à tout détruire sur son passage, des jeunes en colère à cause de la misère qui se révoltent. Le but du jeu : améliorer la vie des malgaches disent-ils.

Dites ce que vous voulez car moi je ne suis pas convaincu que ce qui s’est passé aujourd’hui améliorera la vie de la population malgache.

J’adhère à la lutte pour la démocratie, c’est une cause bien noble mais je suis contre la violence quelque soit ses formes. Deux personnes furent tuées et une grièvement bléssés lors de l’assaut de la MBS, ce sont des militants qui étaient en première ligne…

Quand tous cela va-t-il finir ?”

Tomavana cautions against the spread of rumors in times like these:

“Ireo vaovao hafa toy ny poa-basy, ireo olon-tsotra namoy ny ainy, ny tranon’ny Praiministra may sy mpanao politika hafa na koa ny fiomankomanan’ny fiaramanidin’ny filoham-pirenena hanainga … dia samy tokony iandrasana fanamarinana daholo aloha satria mivoatra malaky dia malaky ny raharaha … ary be ny tsaho amin’ny fotoana toy itony.”

Conte had ruled Guinea with an iron fist for a quarter of a century.  His hold on power seemed to have weakened in recent years, during which he has lived largely a recluse, reportedly suffering from diabetes.

Guinea, with 10 million inhabitants, is the world's first producer of bauxite. It is also one of the poorest countries in the world despite its mineral resources.

The main question, as described by Le Pangolin, in an interview with Serge Michel, a Swiss journalist specializing in African affairs, is whether or not the situation will degrade into a blood bath:

“L'état de la Guinée est très mauvais. Le pays n'a pas été géré depuis des années. Il y a un vide au sommet de l'Etat. Le pouvoir n'était plus exercé par le Président mais par ses proches conseillers qui étaient d'ailleurs régulièrement renouvelés. De plus, le pays est rongé par une très grande corruption. Contrairement à beaucoup d'Etats africains, la Guinée n'a pas connu la guerre civile, pourtant, quand on voit l'état de délabrement dans lequel est le pays, on a l'impression que la guerre est passée par là. A Conakry, la capitale, les bâtiments tombent en ruine, la ville semble avoir été laissée à l'abandon. En ce qui concerne les institutions politiques, elles sont extrêmement faibles et n'ont pas la force de résister à une tentative de coup d'Etat. Les militaires ont un véritable boulevard devant eux. La question aujourd'hui est de savoir si la situation va dégénérer en bain de sang ou non.”

The coup was led by a previously unknown captain, Moussa Davis Camara, who cited “general corruption”, impunity and anarchy, economical catastrophes to justify the dissolution of the government and the suspension of the constitution.

“Nous sommes là pour promouvoir l'organisation d'élections présidentielles crédibles et transparentes d'ici la fin décembre 2010″, a ajouté le capitaine Camara. Mardi, lors de sa première allocution à la nation, il avait annoncé que ces élections auraient lieu d'ici deux mois. “

However the Prime Minister, Ahmed Tidiane Souare, has also said the government was still firmly in place and was preparing the funerals of the president.

France, the US and the rest of the international community have expressed their preference for a better political resolution than a coup.

“This seizure of power constitutes a flagrant violation of the Guinean constitution,” the African Union said in a statement.

On Aminata.com, Sambégou Diallo lifts the confusion and reports that “it is done”, Moussa Dadis Camara is now the third president of the republic of Guinea.

“Le cortège présidentiel vient de s'ébranler en direction de Kaloum. Il est exactement 15 heures TU. Les membres du Conseil national de démocratie et de développement ont préféré faire le tour de la capitale, passant par le centre commercial de Madina, puis Dixinn, Coléah, le Camp Almamy Samory, (dans Kaloum) avant de prendre la direction de Sekhoutoureya, et puis… et enfin le camp Koundara.

Le cortège devrait vraisemblablement revenir, après cette extraordinaire parade, revenir au palais de la Colombe pour installer le capitaine Moussa Dadis Camara dans ses nouvelles et exaltantes fonctions de président de la République.”

While newspapers report that the coup leaders are firmly in charge of the national broadcasting headquarters and are occupying many strategic buildings across the city, Guinean bloggers report that all is quiet :

Henri Willox says :

“Ici, dans la banlieue de Conakry, tout un chacun vaque à ses occupations et la vie se déroule comme d'habitude, sauf que nous avons encore de l'électricité alors qu'habituellement, elle est coupée vers six heures du matin.
Il n'y a pas eu un seul coup de feu de toute la nuit, et la population se dit plutôt heureuse de la prise du pouvoir par de jeunes militaires.”

Association des Ressortissants et Sympathisants de Fria reports the same quiet :

“Tout est calme à Fria, les gens se sont rendus au travail comme si c'était un jour normal. La plupart des commerces sont restés ouverts et il n'y a eu aucune précipitation, malgré quelques personnes désireuses de faire des provisions pour le réveillon de demain. Même les enfants ont voulu aller à l'école, mais ils ont été renvoyés à la maison. Les soldats sont dans les casernes et il n'y a pas de mouvement de troupes dans la ville.
L'annonce du décès a été faite vers 2 heures du matin. Ils ont attendu que les gens dorment pour éviter les rassemblements dans les rues. Mais la nouvelle a de toutes façons été accueillie presque dans l'indifférence. Les gens sont tellement fatigués à cause de la crise économique guinéenne et mondiale, qu'il n'y a pas eu de réaction excessive. “

One reader, Bali de Yeimberein, hopes for change :

“De manière succinte, il faut espérer que des militaires réellement épris de justice sociale, de paix et visionnaires arrivent aux affaires et garantissent une authentique transition en veillan à une TOTALE REFONDATION de la Guinée (ses institutions, leurs modes de fonctionnement mais surtout une nouvelle mentalité) le tout dans un environnement d'ETAT DE DROIT.
Ce sont des préalables à tout retour de la Guinée d'abord à une situation de PAYS (normal) puis, dans un second temps, se donner les chances de pénétrer le champ du concert des Nations.
Victime de prédation sans précédent, saignée à blanc, vidée de toutes ses ressources (agricoles, minières) dévoyée de ses ressources humaines, la Guinée risque de ne JAMAIS se remettre de CINQUANTE ANS de dictature et gabegie. Ces lignes seront-elles lues par un des futurs (?) responsables du pays?”

One blogger rejoices in Conte's passing :

“Enfin, le tyran est parti après 24 ans de règne. Délivrance générale !”

A feeling echoed by JT, a Global Voices reader:

“Now it is ended. Conte has died. That’s that. And now it begins. Now begins the hard work. Now the people of Guinea must seize their nation and their destiny. The oppressor is gone. Do not allow another dictator to take his throne. With much love and hope for the best for all of the people of Guinea,JT

Maintenant il est fini. Conte est mort. C’est ca.  Et maintenant il commence. Commence maintenant le dur labeur. Maintenant les personnes de la Guinée doivent saisir leur nation et leur destin. L’oppresseur est allé. Ne permettez pas à un autre dictateur de prendre son trône. Avec beaucoup d’amour et d’espoir pour le meilleur pour toutes les personnes de Guinée, JT”

Although Alseny Ndiaye wonders if the Guinean people's attitude, and Africans' in general, does not have a responsibility in turning their leaders into tyrants:

“Les africains en général et ceux de l’Ouest en particulier, ont une tendance exagérée à personnifier le pouvoir et à le diviniser. Cela se manifeste à tous les niveaux. Du jour au lendemain, un homme ordinaire, de par son arrivée au pouvoir, est perçu comme un envoyé de Dieu ; on lui crédite de pouvoirs extraordinaires, d’intelligence hors du commun, de visionnaire. On le cite dans les propos les plus banals voire farfelus. On lui attribue la paternité de toutes les idées jugées bonnes, de toutes les citations, de tous les projets. Imaginez un président inculte qui a de la peine même pour écrire son nom, et qui se retrouve subitement « auteur » d’une œuvre littéraire, philosophique voire économique !.”

Some readers of the daily French newspaper Le Monde worry that the fate of Guinea after their strong man's passing may predict other African countries' :
Turgot comments:

“Le pire est que ce qui se passe (de façon totalement prévisible) en Guinée est plus ou moins la reproduction de ce qui s’est passé en Côte d’Ivoire à la mort d’Houphouët (pas de succession préparée et guerre des héritiers) et préfigure ce qui se passera dans un certain nombre d’autres pays africains à la mort de leurs présidents: Cameroun (Biya), Gabon (Bongo), Tchad (Déby), et même peut-être Sénégal à la mort de Wade (encore que ce pays connaît un semblant de tradition démocratique).”

“Suite à la diffusion par la chaîne de télévision Viva d’un enregistrement contenant des propos de l’ancien chef de l’Etat Didier Ratsiraka réfugié en France dans son journal du samedi 13 janvier 2008 vers 20 heures, lesquels propos étant susceptibles de troubler l’ordre et la sécurité publics, la chaîne de télévision Viva est interdite de diffusion.”

The mayor of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina is the 30-something owner of VIVA, as well as of other highly successful firms, such as Injet, a communications firm, and Domapub, a highly successful advertising agency, headed by his wife, Mialy Razakandisa, a member of a prominent family.

Rajoelina, known locally as Andry TGV, was elected Mayor of Antananarivo with 63% of the vote in 2007, winning the elections against President Marc Ravalomana's protege, Hery Rafalimanana.  Andry TGV, whose resume uncannily resembles the President's - no college or formal education, but a keen entrepreunerial spirit that has resulted in successful business ventures, difficult relations with the government, a run for mayor - has been at odds with the President and the government ever since his victory.

Last week, the tensions between the mayor and the president were high when VIVA, the mayor's television station, broadcast musings and ramblings by Didier Ratsiraka, the former president of Madagascar, after showing the former presidential picture of Ratsiraka for several minutes, a move criticized by some. Ratsiraka was ousted in 2002, after controversial election results in which both he and Ravalomanana, then the Antananarivo mayor, claimed victory. After a long street protest, blockades by citzens, and the endorsement of Ravalomanana by Western powers, with the noted exception of the then French President, Jacques Chirac, Ratsiraka was forced to take refuge in France. The controversial video shows Ratsiraka harshly criticizing Ravalomanana and is available in Malagasy on dailymotion.com.

Mialisenfout thinks the government must be joking and quotes a minister, Bruno Andriantavison, who once said:

“Les libertés d’opinion et d’expression n’ont jamais été interdites du moment qu’elles respectent les règles du jeu”

Tomavana comments :

“Sky FM [Toamasina], Feon’i Toamasina [Toamasina], Karajia [émission quotidienne de la Radio Don Bosco, Antananarivo] … maintenant VIVA TV … à qui le tour ?”

In the same spirit of jest, Jentilisa

titles :”Ary raha… Viva TV dia avy eo Injet sy domaPub ?”

He then ironically lists all the actions that TGV will take to mobilize the citizens in the capital, Antananarivo, wondering if they will guard him, as they guarded Ravalomanana's home against foreign mercenaries hired by Ratsiraka in 2002.

“Entanin'ingahy amin'izay ny vahoakan'Antananarivo hiambina ny takelaby fanaovana ny dokambarotr'ingahy betsaka sady mbola mahabetsaka ireny ihany. Tena mahavita izany mihitsy ny mponina'Antananarivo tahaka ny niambenana ny teny Faravohitra ka! aza manahy mihitsy ingahy. Ary aza matahotra fa tsy maintsy ho lasa filoham-pirenena ingahy ka! Fa aleo aloha izaho hitondra ka! Mbola tsy ampy taona hitondra ingahy tsinona!”

There have also been lively discussions about Ratsiraka on serasera.org, an online forum, although nobody seems to miss the Ratsiraka era :

“Ny alika no miverina @'ny efa naloany sy ny forongony… Zahay koa efa LEOn'ny nilaha-bary teny @'ny fokontany sy ny Magasin M, ny nilahatra ankisisika bus FIBATA manginy fotsiny, ny kitapo zara raha mahita kitapo tsihy hovidiana, ny cahier kitra kotsan'ny orana… Zany rehetra izany tamin'ny andron-dRatsiraka (1980-1989). Mora manadino ny gasy a!!!!… Amin'izao fotoana mba mahita beurre TIKO hovidiana ihany…”

Ironically, during the same week, the government organized a meeting with all Malagasy political parties, opponents included. The agenda of the December 17 meeting was to permit the free exchange of ideas among political players, and resulted in a proposal to change the laws regulating political parties.  According to the website of the President, the modifications aim to reinforce political parties and permit them to participate more effectively in the development of Madagascar.  The government had commissioned a report on how to reform the regulations regarding the financing and merging of political parties, which in Madagascar currently number in the hundreds. It is noteworthy that this report was produced by two former opponents: Serge Radert and Serge Zafimahova, both ministers during the presidency of Zafy Albert. Zafy Albert is now a rabid Ravalomanana opponent. During the meeting, about 400 million ariary (US$ 218773.53) were distributed among the fifty attending party leaders. About thirty political parties declined to attend.

Serge Radert and Serge Zafimahova later issued a press release on their motivations to write the report and their caveats. They seem not to agree on the use of their report during the December 17 political meeting and already appeared to distance themselves from the results of the meeting. The press release emphasizes:

“nous avons évoqué notre attachement à la liberté d’expression et au libre débat et nous avons évoqué, en particulier, notre ferme condamnation à toute forme de censure et à toute fermeture de médias audiovisuels et de presse écrite, en particulier au niveau de l’actualité, nous avons jugé inopportun la fermeture de la télévision VIVA.”

The tensions are now at the highest, Andry TGV said there were orders arrest him for “fa namory olona mpanao politika tsy nahazoana alalana tetsy @ La Rotonde ingahy ben'ny tanana,” “rallying political people without authorization at the hotel La Rotonde.” The government later firmly denied this and Zombia wondered if Andry TGV was intentionally spreading false rumors.

“Hosamborina i TGV eh
Ohatry ny feo nampatsiahy ahy ilay hoe :”Voapoizina i Hasina eh” na ilay hoe “hosamborina i Zafy eh”
Resaka hanentanam-po ny olona fotsiny, fa ny ol vao mijery hoe iza avy no mpanohitra dia aleo indray miverina mody manidy trano. Fa miandry fotoana ny zavatra rehetra
Iza no mahita raha sarinady anakonana ny fanomezana ny tany 1.000.000 ha ho an'ny Daewoo, sy ny 250.000 ha ho an'ny Indianina fotsiny io”

The arm wrestling continues. During interviews broadcast by no less than three radio stations, Andry TGV then issued an ultimatum, expiring on January 13, for the defense of “freedom of speech and democracy” against the government. But Jentilisa comments :

“paika entina hampakarana ny maripana izany zandry mba hivononan'ny olona hitokona amin'ny voalohan'ny taona a! jereo ange fa saiky nifanitsy tamin'ilay nosoratako tamin'ny lahatsoratro halina hoe ho avy amin'ny fiambenana indray izany ny mponin'Antananarivo eee!”

If everybody feels like News2Dago and Jentilisa, the alleged tactics may not be enough to drag the demonstration-weary population of Antananarivo into the streets:

“Izaho kosa hitazan-davitra ihany fa tsy misy hidirako ny @ izay satria tsy misy hanome ahy ariary na ny andaniny na ny ankilany ny ahy any am-paosiko aza no manaraka @ fandoavaka 6% @ impôt synthetique ho an'Ingahy ben'ny tanana ary ny hetra TVA homena an'i ra8 hozaraina @ ireo mpisolelaka mpanao pôlitika omena 400 tapitrisa ariary be izao (vola be hono no nozaraina teny Mavoloha teny t@ 17 izany adalan'ireo izay tsy te hankeny).”

“Zanaka mpitandrina ny tenany, teraka tamin'ny 1 oktobra 1923 (tapabolana sisa manko) ary Ankadivato ilay fonenana nahalehibe azy. Notezaina tanatin'ny fitiavana an'Andriamanitra sy ny tanindrazana tahaka ireo hafa novolavolaina tanaty lasitra protestanta nandritra ny fanjanahantany”

“He was born, Georges Andriamanantena, on October 1, 1923, the son of a Protestant priest in Ankadivato (a neighborhood of Antananarivo). He was brought up in the respect and love of God and country, in the Protestant tradition that prevailed during the colonization times.”

On his father's side, he descended from a long lineage of Protestant priests (fifth generation), and as tebokaefatra says, on his mother's side, he descended from the village of Amboanana, which was

“…ilay vohitra kely ao atsimon'Arivonimamo, izay nisehoan'ireo Menalamba sahy nanohitra voalohany indrindra ny Fanjanahantany teto Madagasikara. Araka izany koa dia mba nandova ny ran'ireo tia tanindrazana tsy nanaiky hozogain'ny vahiny.”

“…the little village south of Arivonimamo, where originated the Menalamba, the fiercest and first opponents of colonization in Madagascar. Rado inherited the patriotism of his forebearers who refused foreigners' rule. “

As many Protestant youth then, he belonged to the scoutism movement, and his father strengthened the values provided by it, with the “fireside” education held at home, where a love of the Malagasy language and appreciation of the arts blossomed in him and his siblings. He studied in various Protestant schools in the capital and then went to Strasbourg, France to study journalism. He valued his independence and even though he held a well paying job for a time at the then important Preservatrice ASsurances in Antananarivo, he resigned that job and preferred to found his own newspaper “Hehy”, with his brother Celestin. He later worked for the Ministry of Culture.

He showed multiple talents and tried his hand at painting, sculpting and engraving. He also composed religious hymns, showing here his Christian upbringing. But he is mostly well known for the poems he never ceased to write, until he was physically unable to do so.

He published ten books of poems, among which Dinitra (1973), Ando (1977), Zo (1989), Sedra (1993), Ny teny Malagasy (1994), tsy maintsy mipoaka ny sarom-bilany (2002, ny Voninkazo adaladala (2003) and ny fiteny roa (2008). Many of his poems were put into music by the most famous of Malagasy artists. And Dinitra was compulsory reading in high schools. Vola posts one of his poems which was adapted into a song by many artists.

He enjoyed fishing and playing with his grandchildren. He was a proud recipient of most Malagasy honor marks.

Most importantly, Rado was a staunch supporter of the Malagasy language and supported “Fanagasiana“, or the use of Malagasy (instead of French) in education. Fanagasiana failed mainly because of political games that politicians played on the student population. Rabelazao posts the entirety of a talk Rado held at the Malagasy Academy of Sciences in Antananarivo, where Rado explains why Malagasy (and not Malagasy mixed with foreign words) is the best language for communicating development goals and win the Malagasy population's hearts and support.

“…ny fo no tanamilina ao anatin'ny olona, ka manentana ary manome azy toetra entiny miatrika toe-javatra iray. Ny enti-manentana ny fo kosa anefa, dia ny Teny ihany.
Koa raha te hanentana ny fon'ny vahoaka amin'ny Fampandrosoana isika dia ny Teny Malagasy ihany no afaka manao izany. Dia teny malagasy madio, tsy safiotra na vandambadana. Teny malagasy feno ohatrohatra amana ohabolana sy hainteny, fa ireny no mamoha varavarana ny fo. “

“One is led by one's heart, which motivates and decides its point of view of things. What motivates the heart is the Word. So if you want to motivate people's heart with Development, we should use Malagasy words to do that. Malagasy words only, not mixed up ones. Malagasy language with proverbs and hainteny (Note of the translator : a Malagasy form of expression that uses allusions and metaphors), because they are the keys to Malagasy people's hearts.”

Rabelazao relays Rado's humorous example to illustrate his point :

“Tsaroako tsara, fony vao azo ny Fahaleovantena, ka nentanina tamin'ilay fambolem-bary “en ligne” ny Tantsaha sy mpamboly vary. Nahatsikaiky sy nampalahelo anefa, fa noheverin'ny any ambanivohitra ho anaran'olona ity “ligne” ity, ka maro no nilaza hoe : “Aiza ho aiza, tompoko, no misy ity Raline ity, mba hakanay toro-hevitra amin'izay nataony ?” Teo vao nikoropaka ny manampahaizana nitady teny malagasy, ka voatery nitety tanàna sy vohitra, nilaza fa “voly tora-tady” no dikan'io fa tsy izany “Raline” izany. Ho efa nahomby hatrany am-piantombohany anefa ny tetika, raha nogasiana hoe : “Manaova voly tora-tady !”"

“I remember, right after Independence, when peasants were urged to grow their rice “in line”. They believed “in line” was a person's name and asked :”Where is this inline person, so that we may ask him for advice?”. That is when the educated people started looking for Malagasy words and had to travel all over, to say that “in line” actually meant “voly tora-tady” in Malagasy, and was not a “in line”. Their project would have succeeded since the very beginning, if they had simply used Malagasy words :”Manaova voly tora-tady!”

MESSAGE
You are going to see her, but…
Do not tell her about my suffering,
Let her ignore the bite of pain,
that is tearing up my being,
in the web she trapped me in,
My sweating heart that chokes me silently
at midnight
when I ponder my fate,
Do not let her know !

… If she were to ask
I beg of you to lie for once !
Tell her my thoughts have forgotten all about her
Flowers have grown on the past ashes blown by the Adaoro
These journals have been incinerated and all but cremated
…As for my white hair,
and the lines of my forehead
please hide, hide them!
Do you understand?

One last thing
One demand ! See if she is happy.
These are the signs for you to know :
“In her bedroom: there are flowers that will be pink
At her bedside : the picture of her lover… whoever he may be”
If you see those, then she is happy
so do not even talk about me
as happy is what I wish her to be.

This is my message. Please do not forget.
And Adieu !
But before you go,
this hand of yours, do not touch anything with it,
until it links to hers…

Yes, that is it. Have a good journey.
And please do close that door
On my tears.
January 1966.

HAFATRA
Ho any ianao,kanefa….
Aza ataonao fantany izao fahoriako izao
Fa aoka hiafina aminy
Ny ketoky ny jaly
Nanempaka ny aiko,tanatin'ny longoa
Izay namandrihany ahy…
Ny dinitry ny foko manorika ahy mangina,
Fa sempo-tsasak'alina
Misaina ity anjarako,
Aza ataonao fantany!

…Raha manontany izy,
Iangaviako ianao handainga indray mandeha !
Lazao fa nanadino ny momba azy rehetra
Ny saiko manontolo.
“Rako-boninkazo hoe ireo lavenon-dasa
natoraky ny Adaoro”
Ireto diary ireto lazao fa efa may
Sy tapitra efa kila…
….Fa ny volofotsiko,
Ny ketrokentron'handriko
Afeno dia afeno !
Azonao izany ?

Etsy kely koa
Hafarako ianao !Jereo raha sambatra izy !
Mba hamantaranao dia ireto no fambara :
“Ao an' efitranony :misy voninkazo
Tsy maintsy mavokely…
Eo an-doha-fandrianany :
Ny sarin'olotiany…na iza n'iza izay “
Raha izay no hitanao dia efa sambatra izy
Ka aza asiana resaka momba ahy akory,
F'izany rahateo no niriko ho azy…

Izay no hafatrafatro
Ka tazony tsara …Ary dia veloma !
Saingy etsy ange !
‘Ty tànanao ity, aza akasi-javatra
Mandra-pifandray ny tànanao sy ny azy…

Eny e ! Ampy izay.Tongava soa aman-tsara !
Dia akatony mora
Io varavarako io
Fa hitomany aho…

Rado, janoary 1966

Mandria am-piadanana, Rado.
Rest in peace.

Je regrette profondément que le président de la République de Madagascar ne m'ait pas accordé la moindre chance pour pouvoir remplir l'exaltante mission dont je rêvais depuis longtemps.

I profoundly regret that the president of the Republic of Madagascar has not given me the smallest chance to fulfill the exciting mission I have been dreaming of for a long time.

The reasons for the ambassador's departure are not clear. Some have speculated Malagasy President Marc Ravalomanana many not have appreciated Le Lidec's habit of being in countries during times of crisis.  Le Lidec was in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in October 2000, when Laurent-Désiré Kabila was murdered, and in Cote d'Ivoire from 2002 to 2005, during the armed rebellion against Laurent Gbagbo.

Probably thinking that Le Lidec's presence during these turbulent times was more than a coincidence, some journalists close to the Malagasy government have wondered about French intentions in the Great Red Island:

Il vient pour tuer le President.

He is here to assassinate the President.

The French press has been quick to ridicule Marc Ravalomanana's aversion to Gildas Le Lidec, reporting on the Malagasy President's supposed superstitions:

La raison de la défiance dont est victime le diplomate tient, selon les responsables français, à la personnalité du président Ravalomana, “un homme jeune à la fois moderne et superstitieux, voire arriéré.

According to French leaders, Ravalomanana's personality is the reason [Le Lidec] has fallen victim to this distrust; Ravalomanana, a “young man, both modern and superstitious, even backward”.

Sylvain Ranjalahy, a Malagasy journalist, sees in the public nature of this incident a sign of rupture in Franco-Malagasy relations.  Although this type of information is usually not disclosed to the general public, the French ambassador publicly accused the Malagasy President of being responsible for his persona non grata condition.

Some in African blogospheres, including Ivoirian blogger Théophile Kouamouo, seemed to agree with Ravalomanana's distrust of the French ambassador:

Le Lidec semble étonnamment présent quand les présidents se font tuer, ou vivent des tentatives d'assassinat, surtout dans les pays où la France est potentiellement fortement impliquée.

Le Lidec seems to be magically present wherever presidents get killed, or experience assassination attempts, especially in countries where France is potentially strongly involved.

Others see in the “expulsion” of the French diplomat as a sign that African presidents have lost their meekness and timidity towards their former colonizers. The following comment by Rakoto, a reader from Madagascar, in response to Kouamouo's post is particularly telling:

… ça discréditait un président que n'apprécient guère certains milieux.
Un journal français l'a même traité “d'arriéré”. Que diraient ces “vazaha” si notre Presse utilisait des qualificatifs équivalents à l'égard de leurs hommes d'Etat ? Une mentalité raciste et méprisante n'a pas été éradiquée chez les anciens colonisateurs et certains compatriotes psychologiquement “aliénés ” leur emboîtent hélas triomphalement le pas.On a donc mis sur le dos du président Ravalomanana, à qui on ne pardonne pas non plus l'utilisation de la langue maternelle dans l'enseignement primaire, ce qui est une querelle franco-française ; Ce faisant, on se défausse de ses turpitudes sur quelqu'un qui, pour le moment, n'a pas rejoint la “France-Afrique”. Ce qui est clair c'est que, dans le départ de l'ambassadeur, ni la superstition, ni le côté arriéré de notre président ne sont en cause.

“…it's discredited a president and that won't be appreciated in some quarters. A French newspaper even called him “backward”. What would these “vazaha” (translator's note : Vazaha means white foreigner, but is mostly used to designate French people) say if we used similar adjectives towards their statesmen? The former colonials and some of their mentally ill countrymen, who joyously follow in their footsteps, still hold onto old racist ways of thinking. They have blamed President Ravalomanana, whom they have also not fogiven for the use of the mother tongue in primary education (Translator's note : The Malagasy government has decided to use Malagasy instead of French), for what is really a Franco-French quarrel.  This way they deflect their weaknesses on someone who, for the moment, has not joined the “France-Afrique” clan. What is clear is that the departure of the ambassador has been caused by neither the superstitions nor the backwardness of our President.

This skepticism of the Malagasy President's responsibility in the matter is echoed by this Malagasy comment on the Serasera Forum:

Raha tena i filoha hajaina marina no nitondra ity baolina ity, nahoana kay no ingahy Ambasadaoro no nampilAza azy voalohany t@ mpanao gazety, ARY t@ andron'ny fety nasionaly firantsay? Mahagaga!!!
Raha tena i filoha hajaina marina no tena mazana t@ ity aferafera ity, nahoana ingahy zokinibe Ramarisely toa nihanahAna sahala @ zanak'Akoho natelindrRamenarana t@ io fotoana io? Io ihany dia efa manambara amiko fa TSY nampoizin'ingahy zokibe Ramarisely ity fanambarAna nataon'i ambasadaoro ity.

“If really the president was the one holding the cards, why was the ambassador the first to announce this to the press, AND on the French National Day ? Amazing!!!
If really the president was the one to blame why was the Minister of Foreign Affairs so taken aback? This tells me that the Minister of Foreign Affairs did not expect this announcement from this ambassador.

A French netizen, responding to an article in Le Monde, “French Ambassador expelled from Madagascar for giving the evil eye,” wonders if all this could have been avoided:

“Pour autant, si la raison est vraiment un problème de superstition, c'est une faute de notre diplomatie de ne pas l'avoir prise en compte lors de la nomination de notre représentant. Tout ceci n'enlève rien à son talent, bien entendu. Tout simplement une erreur de “casting”

“Anyway, if it was really a matter of superstition, it is the fault of our diplomacy not to have taken it into account during the nomination of our ambassador. This does not lessen his abilities, of course. Simply a casting mishap.”

While another Le Monde reader wonders if this was a repercussion of Ravalomanana's allegedly bitter personal experiences with the French administration:

Peut-être faut-il aussi rappeler le sentiment anti-français du président malgache. Peu de gens savent que ce sentiment est né alors que le Président actuel n'était qu'un petit industriel et qu'il s'est vu maltraité par le consulat lors d'une demande de visa. Faut-il aussi rappeler les sarcasmes entendus dans la bouche de nos diplomates toujours si arrogants lorsque ce petit industriel devenu plus grand a accédé à la mairie de Tananarive. Et nos diplomates continuent de railler…

Maybe one should remember the anti-French feelings of the Malagasy President. Few people know that these feelings originated from when the current resident was just a small-time industrialist, and saw himself mishandled by the consulate when asking for a visa. One should remember the sarcasms uttered by our diplomats who were still arrogant when this small-time industrialist grew in stature and became the Mayor of Antananarivo. And our diplomats keep on mocking…

And another sarcastically comments on the “backwardness” of African societies:

L'horoscope de l'ambassadeur était en contradiction avec celui du président malgache ? Mon Dieu ! Mon Dieu ! L'Afrique est bien sur la voie du modernisme ! Aucun doute …

The ambassador's horoscope contradicted the Malagasy president's? My God! My God! Africa is really on the way to modernity! No doubt…

The Vagina Monologues, in Malagasy

A group of female Malagasy bloggers (Sipakv, Trinitty, Sipagasy, Ikalakely, Jogany) planned a reading of the Vagina Monologues in Malagasy, as part of celebration of V-Day, “a global movement to stop violence against women and girls.”

This announcement made quite a few waves in the Malagasy blogosphere.

Male reactions were a bit skeptical. Rajiosy asked, “Is this reasonable?” [Fr] and The Non Required wondered, a bit facetiously, whether it isn't men who hold an inferior position:

Il y a un mouvement qui se lance sur Internet pour changer la condition de la femme à Schgeumland. Je ne sais pas quoi en penser. En fait, je n’ai pas l’impression que les femmes soient mal loties à Schgeumland. Les femmes ne peuvent pas souffrir à Schgeumland. C’est une société matriarcale. Preuve en est qu’au du XIXeme, 3 femmes se sont succédées au pouvoir. Il a (presque) fallu que les hommes schgeumes fassent appel aux colons français pour mettre fin à cela! En fait, les êtres humains mal considérés à Schgeumland ce sont les hommes.

Of course, even though the last three sovereigns were queens, they were puppets controlled by the male Prime Minister.

The Non Required's post prompted a torrent of 23 comments. Some readers accused him of machismo. Others pointed out all the ways Malagasy women continue to occupy a lower status than men, as well as some advantages women enjoy relative to men.

Qui met-on en prison en cas de flagrant délit d’adultère : c’est encore elle.

Une femme schgeume peut-elle facilement quitter un mari volage : non … et pourtant c’est une réalité à Madagascar. J’ai même vu un quotidien titrer : “Tsy maintsy mamitaka ve ny lehilahy”. Le jour où la loi sur le divorce changera à Madagascar, la femme schgeume sera peut-être mieux respectée et saura se faire respecter.

Je mettrai cependant en balance le fait que les hommes n’ont pas de droit de garde apres un divorce.

(When a child is seven years old, he or she is in charge of his or her destiny, and is allowed by the judge to choose which parent will have custody.)

What's in a word

The Malagasy Vagina Monologues also set off a debate on how to translate the word “vagina” into Malagasy. Many words used to describe sexual organs in Malagasy carry vulgar connotations and this fact is illustrated by the comments left by the male Malagasy bloggers.

The Non Required explains that “vagina” can be translated into “fory,” which is considered very crude in Malagasy.

But as answered by reader SipaKV, it can also be translated into a multitude of, “very pretty words, descriptive, poetic, functional, erotic” [Fr].

Should abortion be legal in Madagascar?

Mialysenfout raised the more serious and controversial topic of abortion.

Abortion is illegal in Madagascar, but in December 2007, a human rights committee asked the government to review the country's abortion laws and consider decriminalizing it.

Ici, la couverture contraceptive est encore très en-deçà de la demande. Et c'est un vrai souci dans une société à la sexualité debridée ( c'est une affirmation, pas une critique haha) où les premières relations sexuelles se font de plus en plus tôt, les préventions sont encore très maladroites et les cas d'avortements, de plus en plus nombreux. Parce qu'ils sont interdits, les avortements se font clandestinement et généralement dans des conditions hygiéniques et sanitaires déplorables et rarement par la personne compétente. Ces 30 000 décès, nous avons le pouvoir de les éviter si la loi autorise que l'intervention se fasse dans un centre hospitalier et par des médecins et bien sûr, dans un délai strict et rigoureux fixé par la loi.

Soit on choisit d'agir et faire en sorte que toutes les naissances soient le fruit d'un choix et non d'une contrainte. Faire en sorte que les femmes violées ou victimes d'une inceste n'aient pas à porter le fruit de leur humiliation. Faire en sorte que la loi permet aux femmes dont la grossesse menace la vie puisse de bénéficier d'un avortement thérapeuthique.

In more than 40 comments, readers responded with a wide range of perspectives, some declaring abortion selfish or immoral, others discussing the consequences of dangerous, back room procedures:

L'avortement, je trouve que c'est lâche. On fait payer un enfant innocent, qui n'a rien demandé et qui ne peut même pas s'exprimer. (Rayon de soleil)

A Madagascar, l'avortement est interdit même en cas de danger pour la santé ou la vie de la mère, même en cas de viol et même en cas d'inceste. Avec une peine allant d'un à cinq ans d'emprisonnement et une amende de 360 000 à 10 800 000 Ar.

En cas de viol, NON à la dépénalisation. La mère devra mettre au monde l'enfant non désiré. (dotMG)

En ce qui concerne le fond du débat, je suis pour déployer des gros moyens de mise à disposition et informations sur les méthodes de contraception. (Vola)

madagascar.mabulle.com writes a detailed description of a clandestine abortion procedure performed in Antananarivo, and offers a harrowing statistic:

“Pendant ce temps là, à Antananarivo, 50% des décès liés à la grossesse seraient dus à une IVG clandestine qui a mal tourné.”

President Ravalomana called for the early elections after dissolving the National Assembly on the grounds it no longer reflected the results of the April referendum that approved President Ravalomanana's new Madagascar Action Plan (MAP), an ambitious strategic road map that aims to lift Madagascar out of poverty.

Although the polls were conducted peacefully, Jentilisa, a blogger who not only witnessed firsthand the dismally low turnout, but also helped count ballots, is concerned irregularities have marred this election.

Jentilisa writes that many ballot certifications were signed before the ballot counts were even in. Election officials left election offices early and did not supervise the transfer of ballot certifications to the Ministry of Interior and the High Constitutional Court, increasing the risk the certifications could be altered.

Fitokisana an-jambany fotsiny noho izany raha mahita ny isa eo amin’ny tabilao dia lasa mody nefa ny taratasy alefa any amin’ny Fitsarana avo momba ny lalam-panorenana sy ny minisiteran’ny atitany mety ho hafa mihitsy. Eo izany no fiarovana ny safidy nataon’ny tsirairay voalohany indrindra. Miainga eo amin’ny biraom-pifidianana ihany.

Election officials base their certifications on blind trust only because of their early departure, when certifications being sent to the High Constitutional Court and the Ministry of Interior may contain altogether completely different results. They should protect citizens' votes at this first hand-off.

Etsy ankilan’izany, ireo izay nifidy raha tsy manaraka ny isam-bato sy izay soratan’ireo delege sy mpanisa vato ary mpanara-maso ny fifidianana dia tsy mahatsapa ny andraikiny fa tsy mijanona eo amin’ny fandrotsaham-bato akory ity fifidianana nataonao tamin’iny andro iny. Amiko ny tsy fanarahan’ireo nandrotsa-bato ny valim-pifidianana ao amin’ny birao nifidianany dia tahaka ny fanekena avy hatrany izay soratan’ireo mpampita ny isa any amin’ny tompon’andraikitra mahefa. Ny nahavariana ahy manko dia tsy nisy niteny ny delegen’ny kandida rehetra, ary tsy nametraka ny isa mialoha vao manome ny taratasy hosoniavina ihany koa. Izay zavatra hitako izay no nahatonga ahy hanao ny lohateny hoe fangalaram-bato ifanarahana izy ity ka miainga avy amin’ny mpifidy tsirairay mihitsy izany fifanarahana izany ary mipaka any amin’ireo mpikambana ao amin’ny biraom-pifidianana tsirairay avy ihany koa

Besides, voters, who do not follow up on ballot counts and certifications by the delegates, ballot counters and elections observers are not fulfilling their duties, because your voting does not stop at casting that ballot on that voting day. For me not following up on elections results of your precinct is tantamount to readily accepting whatever counts are transmitted to the officials in charge. What really amazed me was that none of the candidates' delegates voiced a disagreement, and all of them also signed the certifications before the counts were even put in. This is the reason my post today is titled “agreed upon election frauds,” because this plot starts with each voter and spreads to each official of every precinct.

Over 3,000 candidates rushed to apply, having sold whatever goods they had (radio, TVs, rice fields) to pay the processing fee. Some got into debt, others quit their jobs. Gateway Global Consultants received their applications in their temporary office located in a school building. The office is now closed. Contacted by the Malagasy government, the Government of the Bahamas siad that there was no « West Palm Textiles and Garnments » company. The Gateway Global Consultants company did not know of a Steve Turmel. But many candidates were still holding hope for a mid September departure.

Blogger Harinjaka calls attention to the situation by linking to Tribune Madagascar, a Malagasy newspapers site.

Jentilisa wonders if this is a testimony to the gullibility of Malagasies desperate for a job and imagining that life is certainly better overseas even under the most dubious conditions.

“Nahoana tokoa moa no aty amin’ny analiny kilaometatra (Salay arivony) no itadiavana mpiasa nefa ny kaontinanta lehibe eo akaiky eo aza be no tsy manana asa ? Ankehitriny vao betsaka no nahasahy niteny fa teo aloha mbola nangina sao voampanga ho mpanatsatso eo.”

“Why would they look for workers from thousands of kilometers away when there are many jobless people from the big continent nearby? Many dare now to voice their opinions because they feared being accused of cynicism if they had spoken earlier.”

“Hany ka na dia nivoaka tsikelikely aza nmarina mbola nisy ny nahasahy niteny fa aleony mijaly any an-tanin’olona fa tsy izy intsony ny fiainana eto.”

“Even when the truth was slowly unveiled there were still those who dared to say that they would rather be miserable in foreigners' countries because their life here was unbearable.”

“Eo no nampanontany tena hoe raha samy hijaly ihany ; mijaly eto an-tanindrazana no azo ihafiana kokoa sa ny mijaly any an-tanin’olona ? Nisy manko ireo nasiaka mihitsy hoe tena fadiranovana loatra ny malagasy eto an-tanindrazana ka izany no mampibabababa azy hitady lalana hivoaka. Moa ny fitaizana natao teto amintsika mihitsy no nampanao paradisa ny any ivelany hany ka be loatra ny manofinofy ny hivoaka na dia ireo tsy mahay teny vahiny akory aza.”

“Here one wonders in equally miserable situations; would it be better to suffer in your own country or in a foreign land? Some said Malagasies were so miserable in their own country and that is why they were so eager to find ways to leave it. And even so because our education has made overseas lands to be paradise and too many dream of leaving, even among those who cannot speak foreign languages.”