Latest posts by Mialy Andriamananjara
Madagascar: The mayor proclaims himself president
A dispute between the president of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanan, and the mayor of the capital, Andry Rajoelina, thrust Malagasy citizens into violent rioting and looting last week, and has now escalated into a power struggle for the presidency itself.
Madagascar: “History repeats itself…as a farce” in recent unrest
On blogs and forums, reflections on the sources of the current unrest and the history of Madagascar's turbulent democracy.
Madagascar: More reports President Ravalomanana has fled
Several bloggers and a Malgasy media website report that President Ravalomanana has fled the country. Still others say the rumors of Ravalomanana's departure are false.
All Quiet in Guinea After Coup, Say Bloggers
Confusion reigned following the passing of President Lansana Conte and an apparently successful coup led by Guinean General Moussa Dadis Camara. However, despite early fears of bloodshed, all is quiet on the streets of Conakry, according to bloggers.
Madagascar: Television station is forced to stop broadcasting
Following its broadcast of an exiled opponent, Madagascar television station VIVA has been ordered by the government to stop broadcasting. Bloggers debate the politics of the decision and its implications for free speech in Madagascar.
Madagascar: Saluting Rado, a Poet Legend
Bloggers in Madagascar mourn the passing of a renowned poet.
French Ambassador expelled from Madagascar because he was bad luck?
Malagasy and French netizens debate the French Ambassador's expulsion from Madgascar. Was it a matter of superstition?
In Madagascar, bloggers debate abortion and women's rights
With a Valentine's Day performance of the controversial Vagina Monologues and a human rights committee's decision to call for a review of Madagascar's abortion ban, gender issues are a hot topic in the Malagasy blogosphere.
Madagascar elections peaceful, but marred by low turnout and fraud
President Ravalomanana's political party, Tiako i Madagasikara (TIM), won a landslide victory in Madagascar this Sunday, capturing 106 out of the 127 available seats despite a meager turnout: 19.42% in Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital. President Ravalomana called for the early elections after dissolving the National Assembly on the grounds it no...
Madagascar: Young and desperate, will emigrate
An allegedly bogus employment firm is in legal trouble in Madagascar. The firm called, Gateway Global Consultants, and headed by a certain Steve Turmel, an international consultant, who is now facing an interdiction to leave the country, had promised to thousands of Malagasies a job in the Bahamas for the...
Mauritania : Ignorance and Tradition
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Generously endowed women are favored in Mauritania. The fatter the woman, the more beautiful she is thought to be. Being big is also a sign of wealth and the search for beauty and signs of exterior wealth leads to some unorthodox methods...
Madagascar : Andriamanankoavy Jonny r'afa on why he writes
Malagasy Author-Musician-Sculptor Andriamanankoavy Jonny r'afa explains his art : “D'abord, à travers l'Art, entretenir et enrichir la ” Mémoire Collective ” des Malgaches. Celà reste un devoir par respect des origines. Trouver alors ce qu'il faut préserver, et les transmettre, les traduire.” “Through art, one can maintain and enrich the...
Congo: Lack of new work by Black Francophone writers
Alain Mabanckou regrets the lack of new works by Black Francophone writers at the 2007 “rentrée littéraire” in France.
Mali:Abandoned wives and children
Faits Divers d'Afrique relates the fates of abandoned wives and children left behind by men who emigrate.
Senegal: Africa according to Nicolas Sarkozy
Francophone Africa was awaiting anxiously the newly elected French President's arrival. Nicolas Sarkozy's reputation certainly preceded him in Africa. He was minister of the interior under Jacques Chirac and was responsible for quenching the revolts of disaffected youths (ones he referred to as “racaille” (scum)). Today Africa is still reeling...
