Madagascar news and updates

Madagascar - updates

Rappler's latest stories on Madagascar

ARTICLE FINDER

Madagascar battles killer measles outbreak

Mar 10, 2019 - 6:30 PM

Doctors say people's reluctance to go to hospitals and opposition to vaccinations make it difficult to curb measles cases in Madagascar

In this photograph taken on February 27, 2019, Soa Robethine (C) and her two year-old daughter Frangeline who is sick with measles are treated at a Basic Health Centre Level 2 (CSB 2) in the village of Anivorano, North Antsiranana on the outskirts of Antsiranana. - At least 926 children and young adults have died of measles in Madagascar since October, despite a huge emergency vaccination program, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause complications including blindness and brain swelling and increase susceptibility to other diseases. (Photo by Mamyrael / AFP)

Madagascar votes in showdown between 2 ex-presidents

Dec 19, 2018 - 2:26 PM

Analysts warn that the clash between Marc Ravalomanana and Andry Rajoelina could revive instability in the impoverished country if the result is rejected by the losing candidate or fraud allegations are widespread

RIVALS. Madagascar presidential candidates Marc Ravalomanana (L) and Andry Rajoelina (R) shake hands ahead of a televised debate on the national television on December 9, 2018 ahead of the second round of the elections. File photo by Mamyrael/AFP

Madagascar fishermen feel bullied by 6 Chinese trawlers

Dec 13, 2018 - 8:55 PM

'The Chinese take everything and chuck the little dead fish back into the sea,' says Marco Randrianjaka, echoing the grievances of many of his fellow fishermen

(FILES) In this file photo taken on November 4, 2018 a Malagasy fisherman is seen at work in the waters in front of Anakao, a traditional fishing community in southwest Madagascar. Already threatened by the effects of the global warming, Malagasy fishermen see their traditional way of life threatened by the presence in their waters of Chinese fishing boats following the signature of a fishing agreement between Chinese investors and Madagascar parastatal entities. MARCO LONGARI / AFP

Madagascar ex-president denies election bribery claims

Nov 13, 2018 - 9:46 AM

A European Union observer mission report says race frontrunner Andry Rajoelina had paid a total of 4,500 euros ($5,000) to two local chiefs

ANDRY RAJOELINA. Madagascar presidential candidate Andry Rajoelina talks to media after casting his ballot in Antananarivo, on November 7, 2018. Photo by Marco Longari/AFP

Madagascar goes to the polls to pick next president

Nov 07, 2018 - 1:13 PM

Nearly 10 million voters are eligible to cast ballots for one of 36 candidates who, as well as the 3 front-runners, include two ex-prime ministers, pastors and a rock star

MADAGASCAR ELECTIONS. Electoral posters are seen at a bus stop in Antananarivo, on November 6, 2018, on the eve of in the first round of the presidential elections. Photo by Marco Longari/AFP

Ending decades of doubt, 'biggest bird' dispute put to nest

Sep 26, 2018 - 1:12 PM

Named Vorombe titan – Malagasy for 'big bird' – the creature would have stood at least 10 feet tall, and had an average weight of 650 kilograms, making it the largest bird genus yet uncovered

An artist's illustration of the giant elephant bird. Credit: (c) Jaime Chirinos

Madagascan president steps down ahead of election

Sep 08, 2018 - 9:55 AM

Madagascan President Hery Rajaonarimampianina's resignation comes after several protests against the president's efforts to change electoral laws in favor of his party

Madagascar prime minister announces resignation

Jun 04, 2018 - 3:23 PM

(UPDATED) 'I will tender my resignation to the president today. As a statesman, I cannot be an obstacle to the life of the nation,' Olivier Mahafaly Solonandrasana says in a press briefing

RESIGNATION. Madagascar Prime Minister Olivier Mahafaly Solonandrasana (C) at Mazoharivo Palace on April 13, 2016 in Antananarivo. File photo by RIJASOLO/AFP

Warming could threaten half of species in 33 key areas – report

Mar 14, 2018 - 10:34 AM

The report focuses on 33 so-called 'Priority Places' which host some of the world's richest and most unusual terrestrial species, including iconic, endangered, or endemic plants and animals

CLIMATE ALARM. This file photo taken Feb 14 2013 shows shows smokes rising from stacks of a thermal power station in Sofia, Bulgaria. AFP / Dimitar Dilkoff

Madagascar plague deaths hit 94, with 1,100 suspected cases – WHO

Oct 20, 2017 - 7:35 PM

WHO's director for health emergencies in Africa, Ibrahima Soce Fall, says that out of 1,153 suspected cases, 300 are laboratory confirmed

PLAGUE. A council worker walks past sacks of potatoes as he sprays disinfectant during the clean-up of the market of Anosibe in the Anosibe district of Antananarivo on October 10, 2017. Photo by Rijasolo/AFP

Madagascar plague death toll climbs to 74

Oct 18, 2017 - 4:37 PM

A total of 805 cases have been reported on the poor Indian Ocean island nation since August, the health ministry says in a statement

PLAGUE. A council worker walks past sacks of potatoe as he sprays disinfectant during the clean-up of the market of Anosibe in the Anosibe district, one of the most unsalubrious district of Antananarivo on October 10, 2017. Photo by Rijasolo/AFP

Madagascar plague death toll climbs to 30

Oct 05, 2017 - 10:15 AM

Madagascar has a history of plague outbreaks almost every year since 1980, but this outbreak is unusual because it has affected urban areas

Officers from Ministry of Health spread pesticide against carriers of plague such as fleas in a primary school at Andraisoro, a district of the Antananarivo on October 2, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / RIJASOLO

Panic in Madagascar as plague spreads

Oct 04, 2017 - 9:53 AM

In just the past few days, the highly infectious disease has wreaked havoc in the poor Indian Ocean island nation, claiming 6 lives in the capital city Antananarivo and causing widespread panic