Madagascar

Politics

Madagascar's Constitutional Court confirmed President Andry Rajoelina's reelection on Nov. 16 in response to a court challenge by the runner-up, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, BBC reported Dec. 1. 

Madagascar: Court Confirms President Rajoelina's Reelection

Economics

Madagascar's opposition presidential candidate Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, who received 14.4% of votes to incumbent President Andry Rajoelina's 58.95% of votes during the Nov. 16 election, filed lawsuits with the country's highest court to have the results of the allegedly fraudulent election overturned, AP reported on Nov. 28.  

Madagascar: Opposition Candidate Files Lawsuit Claiming Rajoelina's Victory Was Fraudulent

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The Suitors of Sub-Saharan Africa

The Guardian has reportedly obtained documents revealing Russian influence efforts in Africa, the British paper reported June 11.

Russia: Leaked Documents Detail Russian Campaign for Influence in Africa

Russian political operatives attempted to bribe multiple Malagasy presidential candidates in the island country's 2018 election, the BBC reported April 8.

Madagascar: Russian Operatives Reportedly Bribed Presidential Candidates

Drought conditions in southern Madagascar are causing major food shortages, leaving hundreds of thousands of people hungry and raising the risk of widespread famine, U.N. agencies said Oct. 20, Reuters reported. 

Madagascar: Drought Causes Major Food Shortages In South

Malagasy Prime Minister Jean Ravelonarivo and his entire Cabinet resigned on April 8, an official in Madagascar's presidential office announced, Reuters reported. 

Madagascar: Prime Minister, Cabinet Step Down

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After two weeks of negotiations, representatives of nearly 200 countries have approved the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the extent of climate change in the coming decades, The Telegraph reported Dec. 12.

France: Delegates Approve Paris Climate Change Deal

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The government of Madagascar's Prime Minister Roger Kolo has resigned amid heavy public criticism over power outages and living conditions, Bloomberg reported Jan. 13.

Madagascar: Government Resigns Amid Criticism

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U.S. President Joe Biden (R) and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet Nov. 14, 2022, in Bali, Indonesia.

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A look at what the coming week will bring -- and a list of recommended RANE articles from the week that was.

The Weekly Rundown: Xi and Biden at APEC, a Saudi Summit on Gaza

Opposition supporters attend a rally in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Oct. 21, 2023, ahead of the country’s Nov. 16 presidential election.

President Rajoelina’s likely reelection on Nov. 16 portends limited mining sector reforms and a continuation of rampant corruption, poverty and crime in the East African island nation.

Previewing Madagascar's Presidential Election

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Paris Agreement Emphasizes Shift Away From Oil

The pace of the transition will be decided by how quickly new technologies reach the developing world.

Delegates attend a plenary session at the U.N. climate change summit in Paris on Dec. 9.

The agreement signed Dec. 12 in Paris is just a small part of a broader energy transition driven by technological change.

Climate Agreement Will Only Hasten Transition Beyond Oil

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Japan's Changing Investment Patterns in Africa 


Increasingly Japan has focused on building African "human security" and social development, with projects in health care, water, sanitation and education

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France, Africa: Paris Struggles to Retain Colonial Ties

Despite strong efforts to maintain its historic bonds with its former colonies in Africa, France's position is far from guaranteed.

France Struggles to Retain Colonial Ties in Africa

In Madagascar, Bombings Precede a Presidential Election

Opposition to foreign involvement in Malagasy politics has manifested as a series of bombings in Antananarivo.

Madagascar is an island in the Indian Ocean located just off the coast of southeast Africa. Its neighbors include Mozambique to the west, the Comoros islands and France's Mayotte Department to the northwest, and Mauritius and France's Reunion Island to the east. The island is principally known for its rich biodiversity.    Due to Madagascar's geographic location, its population contains a mix of cultures. Those in the largest ethnic group, known as the Merina, are actually predominantly Malayo-Indonesians who arrived in boats many centuries ago by utilizing the winds of the Indian Ocean. Following the Merina, groups from the African mainland and Arab traders eventually settled on the island. At the end of the 19th century, French colonial expansion came to the island, lasting until its independence in 1960.    Since gaining independence, Madagascar has struggled to achieve political stability and economic growth. At times this struggle has taken on an ethnic dimension. The Merina control the highlands, including the capital city of Antananarivo, and have clashed with other groups on the island. There are also tensions with immigrants from the Comoros. Managing the cultural and ethnic diversity remains one of country's principal challenges. Additionally, as one of the poorest countries in the world, Madagascar suffers a dearth of infrastructure and must grapple with the devastating impact of seasonal cyclones and hurricanes.    In terms of foreign relations, Madagascar has historically leaned on former colonizer, France, for support. Nevertheless, given its island status, it has also exercised an ability to balance international interest. Over the years, it has strengthened ties to North Korea, China, the United States, the Republic of South Africa and others.

SITUATION REPORTS

Madagascar: Court Confirms President Rajoelina's Reelection

Madagascar: Opposition Candidate Files Lawsuit Claiming Rajoelina's Victory Was Fraudulent

Russia: Leaked Documents Detail Russian Campaign for Influence in Africa

Madagascar: Russian Operatives Reportedly Bribed Presidential Candidates

Madagascar: Drought Causes Major Food Shortages In South

Madagascar: Prime Minister, Cabinet Step Down

France: Delegates Approve Paris Climate Change Deal

Madagascar: Government Resigns Amid Criticism

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