Clinton seeks new US-S.Africa start in relations Aug 7, 2009
Clinton will also seek to coordinate efforts with South Africa on breaking the political deadlock in Madagascar, the official said. Mugabe in February entered a power-sharing deal with opposition leader -- now prime minister -- Morgan Tsvangirai aimed at ending unrest after an election widely seen as rigged. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Madagascar Political Rivals To Meet In Mozambique Aug 5, 2009
Madagascar Rivals To Meet In Hope Of Ending Island Nation's Political Crisis ... (AP) Two Madagascar politicians who have waged a deadly power struggle are meeting in an attempt to end the Indian Ocean island's political crisis. (CBS News -- World)
Africa: Why is Clinton Coming to Continent, What Are the Issues? [column] Aug 5, 2009
The United States is looking into whether to suspend trading benefits it gives to for Madagascar because of democracy concerns after last March's coup. Such a move could cause the country's $600 million-a-year textile industry to collapse. (allAfrica.com)
Niger president seeks more power Aug 4, 2009
The region has already been hit by coups in Guinea, Mauritania and Madagascar in the last year. If the referendum succeeds, it may sow more instability in a country already dealing with a simmering Tuareg rebellion in the north, which has split into three rival factions, one of which has threatened violence if the referendum goes ahead. (MSNBC -- International)
Journalist deaths rise in media 'bloodbath'... Jul 24, 2009
It said there were six in Pakistan, five each in Iraq, the Philippines, Russia and Somalia, four in Gaza and Honduras, three in Colombia, two each in Afghanistan, Guatemala, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Venezuela and one in India, Indonesia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, and Madagascar. The PEC called on all UN states, international organizations and non-government organisations to take action "to stop this bloodbath against journalists". (The Drudge Report)
Obama in Ghana Preaches Unity and Action Jul 12, 2009
Recent years have brought coups to Mauritania, Madagascar and Guinea, and distorted or disputed elections in Nigeria, Kenya and Zimbabwe. It was to this continued unrest that Obama seemed to direct his message, which was clearly scripted more for an African audience than an American one. (Time.com)
8,000 Artists Celebrate In Panafrican Festival Jul 10, 2009
Other countries, meanwhile, are teetering from recent coups, such as Madagascar, Equatorial Guinea and Mauritania. "Maybe culture, which is Africa's greatest wealth, can offer an answer," Benhamadi said. (CBS News -- World)
Where rich countries are buying farmland Jul 9, 2009
But it was Madagascar that provided the first clear warning that these deals may not be mutually beneficial. A bid by South Korea's Daewoo conglomerate to grow corn on 1. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Africa united against comeback of coups Jul 3, 2009
The summit, which was originally planned to open in Tananarive, the capital of Madagascar, had to change its venue after opposition leader Andry Rajoelina ousted then president Marc Ravalomanana in March with the backing of the military ... Madagascar is the third country to be deprived of AU membership following a coup, after Mauritania and Guinea ... Following the coups, the AU, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)... (Xinhuanet, China)
African leaders urged to halt food crisis, violence on continent Jul 3, 2009
The 13th AU summit was previously scheduled for July in Madagascar, but membership of that country was suspended in March due to a political stalemate there, and hence the cancellation of its hosting of the summit. The AU was established in 2002 to replace the Organization of African Unity (OAU) founded in 1963. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
For some Comorians, the Yemenia Airways crash is no surprise Jul 1, 2009
There, passengers switched to the older A310 for a flight to Djibouti and then a hop to the island nation of Comoros, an archipelago off Madagascar and a former French colony. Trashy' planes for non-European flights. (Christian Science Monitor)
Madagascar rivals agree crisis breakthrough -UN May 24, 2009
ANTANANARIVO, May 23 (Reuters) - Madagascar's feuding leaders have agreed to form an interim unity government in a breakthrough that could pave the way to ending a political crisis, a U.N. official said. Describing the agreement as progress, special envoy Tiebile Drame said late on Friday the Indian Ocean island's main political parties also agreed that former heads of state could stand in the next presidential election. (AlertNet)
Madagascar: Rival Parties Agree on New Elections May 24, 2009
com: Madagascar: Rival Parties Agree on New Elections (Page 1 of 1). Madagascar: Rival Parties Agree on New Elections ... International mediators negotiating a resolution to the crisis in Madagascar have announced that the rival parties have agreed on an election within 14 months in which both the ousted president, Marc Ravalomanana, and the leader who overthrew him, Andry Rajoelina, could stand for the presidency. (allAfrica.com)
Madagascar: Statement on Transition in Madagascar [document] May 24, 2009
com: Madagascar: Statement on Transition in Madagascar (Page 1 of 1) ... Madagascar: Statement on Transition in Madagascar ... The multilateral negotiations seeking to establish a neutral, peaceful and consensual transition in Madagascar resumed on Wednesday 20 May 2009 under the auspices of international mediators from the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and the United Nations (UN). (allAfrica.com)
Kung Fu Panda series in the works May 16, 2009
The series will be the second co-production between DreamWorks Animation and Nickelodeon following the recent launch of The Penguins of Madagascar, based on characters from 2005 release Madagascar. "We are thrilled to extend our ongoing collaboration with Nickelodeon, whose creative expertise in producing hit TV series is second to none," said Ms Daly in a statement. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Madagascar: Rajoelina Will Step Down Only If Others Do May 15, 2009
com: Madagascar: Rajoelina Will Step Down Only If Others Do (Page 1 of 1). Madagascar: Rajoelina Will Step Down Only If Others Do ... Madagascar's new leader, Andry Rajoelina, will decline to stand in the country's next presidential election only if all previous heads of state do likewise. (allAfrica.com)
Rare island species 'undervalued' May 13, 2009
" But to date, the team observed, no study had focused on the differences between mainland areas and islands. Islands are important and should be part of any global conservation strategy Dr Holger Kreft,University of California, San Diego While some islands, such as the Galapagos archipelago and Madagascar, were well known for their biodiversity richness, the team said the habitat's biological value had not been quantified. "Normally, you want to focus on the most diverse places to protect a... (BBC News -- Science)
Africa: Statement by Johnnie Carson at Confirmation Hearing Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Apr 30, 2009
In the past twelve months, African militaries have intervened illegally and unconstitutionally in four different countries Madagascar, Guinea Bissau, Guinea (Conakry) and Mauritania. And deeply flawed elections in a number of countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, have caused deep concern at home and abroad. (allAfrica.com)
Second Madagascar government named Apr 29, 2009
New Madagascar government named ... There is now confusion as to who is in control in Madagascar ... Supporters of Madagascar's ousted President Marc Ravalomanana have announced a new government. (BBC News)
Soldiers storm Madagascar court Apr 28, 2009
Soldiers have stormed Madagascar's constitutional court and arrested its head of security, who has been accused of destabilising the country ... The BBC's Jonny Hogg in Madagascar says the raid on the court may be an attempt to intimidate the judiciary ... MADAGASCAR POWER STRUGGLE. (BBC News -- Africa)
Where they rebuild nature Apr 20, 2009
Madagascar, home to lemurs, baobab trees, and other unique species, is greatly degraded ... Dell bought a 900-square-mile swath of forest in Madagascar and turned it over to Conservation International for management. (Christian Science Monitor)
Madagascar's Ousted President to Return Home Apr 17, 2009
com: Madagascar: Ravalomanana to Return Home (Page 1 of 1). Madagascar: Ravalomanana to Return Home ... "I was forced to leave the presidency seat at gunpoint, but I am going back to Madagascar in peace. I am confident of SADC and the security they will give; I am confident things will be fine," Ravalomanana told the media. (allAfrica.com)
Gov't Encouraged by Obamas Cooperation Promise Apr 13, 2009
President Obama also reportedly praised Ghana for its democratic process at a time when he said there was growing instability across Africa with recent coups in Mauritania, Guinea and Madagascar. Haruna Iddrissu is Ghana's communications minister. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Seychelles rethink Apr 9, 2009
In March, the new Madagascar leader cancelled a controversial deal for a South Korean firm to lease a vast tract of land to grow crops. Tourism magnet. (BBC News -- Business)
MADAGASCAR APPEAL Apr 8, 2009
7 million to help battered Madagascar ... 7 million to help battered Madagascar 07 Apr 2009 17:18:01 GMT Source: Reuters ... 7 mln to save lives in Madagascar. (AlertNet)
Madagascar to hold presidential election in October 2010 Apr 4, 2009
ANTANANARIVO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Madagascar's newly formed High Transitional Authority (HTA) decided on Friday to hold the Constitution referendum in September and the presidential election in October 2010 ... The meeting, attended by over 1,000 representatives from various civil entities and political parties from 22 regions in Madagascar, also agreed to hold the presidential election in October 2010 ... A broad-based national conference would be held again before June 26, this year,... (Xinhuanet, China)
African group suspends Madagascar, urges leader to quit Apr 1, 2009
MBABANE, Swaziland - Southern African leaders suspended Madagascar from the SADC regional grouping yesterday and called on its new army-backed president to step down. The Southern African Development Community said in a communique after a summit in Swaziland that leaders of the group would not recognize Andry Rajoelina, who took power in a move that has been condemned as a coup by the international community. (Boston Globe)
Southern Africa: SA to Chair SADC Summit on Madagascar, Zim Mar 30, 2009
com: Southern Africa: SA to Chair SADC Summit on Madagascar, Zim (Page 1 of 1) ... Southern Africa: SA to Chair SADC Summit on Madagascar, Zim ... Mbanane President Kgalema Motlanthe will later this morning chair the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, to discuss the economic recovery plan for Zimbabwe, as well as the political and security situation in Madagascar. (allAfrica.com)
SADC to discuss Zimbabwe aid, Madagascar crisis Mar 30, 2009
Madagascar faces SADC suspension ... MBABANE, March 30 (Reuters) - Southern African leaders were expected to suspend Madagascar from the SADC regional grouping on Monday, after its president was forced from office earlier this month ... Madagascar's former President Marc Ravalomanana, who resigned following pressure from the military and new leader Andry Rajoelina, was expected to brief SADC leaders in the Swaziland capital Mbabane before they decide how to deal with the new government. (AlertNet)
Madagascan police open fire at demonstrators Mar 29, 2009
Ravalomanana resigned on March 17 after handing over his presidency to a military executive committee led by Navy Admiral Hyppolite Ramaroson, the oldest and most senior military official in Madagascar. Hyppolite Ramaroson transferred the presidential power to Rajoelina just a few hours later and the High Constitutional Courtlegalized his presidency the day after. (Xinhuanet, China)
Island of instability Mar 27, 2009
Wearing a suit and tie is too redolent of success and could arouse the anger of those who haven't benefited from Madagascar's growth. People sitting in their cars and listening to a radio station run by one camp were roughed up by members of the other. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Madagascar: island even more isolated after coup Mar 26, 2009
AFRICA'S YOUNGEST LEADER: Andry Rajoelina, a former disc jockey, was installed as Madagascar's president Saturday ... Antananarivo, Madagascar - Protests and tumult continue to disrupt this island nation following the forced resignation last week of President Marc Ravalomanana ... "Madagascar is facing a recurrent crisis, which can be avoided. We want to call upon political leaders form different parties to discuss on the matters," she says. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Protests in Madagascar Mar 25, 2009
Madagascans in opposition of the Andry Rajoelina's army-backed removal of then President Marc Ravalomanana voice their discontent at a demonstration in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo ... In Madagascar, government spokesperson Augustin Andriamananoro dismissed Ravalomanana's visit as a bid to grab the limelight. (iAfrica.com)
Zimbabwe: Western Double Standards Exposed Mar 24, 2009
Just like Britain was the first country to acknowledge the legitimacy of Uganda's Idi Amin when he overthrew Milton Obote in January 1971, France has been the first Western country to acknowledge the legitimacy of Andry Rajoelina in his military-backed coup against Marc Ravalomanana in Madagascar. France has declared that it will not change its investment policy and will not review the diplomatic ties with Madagascar and has clearly ruled out sanctions against Madagascar ... Ravalomanana was not... (allAfrica.com)
Hillary Clinton: E-diplomat Mar 24, 2009
This past week, diplomats used Twitter to "tweet" down false rumors they feared might lead to a siege on the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar. On her first two foreign trips, to Asia and then the Middle East and Europe, local bloggers were "embedded" with the traveling press corps, broadening the audience for Clinton's official meetings and public appearances, which often produce more personal than policy questions. (MSNBC -- Politics)
LETTER: Obama order may accept Hamas militants Mar 24, 2009
It doesn't matter if they pledge to wipe Israel off the map, that is Israel's beef, a lot of countries on this planet have to fear being wiped off their map, the thing is we don't pay to attention to the small map, the little people, due to religious issues we will back Israel but to he** with the other countries in need of some stability, Don't get my view on America wrong, I fully support my country but I don't agree with it pushing itself off on other countries " jrussell wrote on Mar 24,... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Madagascar leader's opponents launch protests Mar 23, 2009
Thousands of opponents of Madagascar's new President Andry Rajoelina rallied on Monday for the first of what they said would be daily protests against his army-backed takeover on the Indian Ocean island ... The African Union has suspended Madagascar in protest ... He is six years too young to be president, according to Madagascar's constitution. (International Herald Tribune -- Travel)
Nigerian paper urges Sudanese leader to appear before ICC1 killed in ambush of 6 Darfur peacekeepersEgypt shows more support for el-BashirSudanese diplomat denounces Western powers over al-Bashir Kenya signs landmark pact to collect taxes for SomaliaAbducted UN staff in Somalia released unharmedUN seeks release of 4 aid workers in SomaliaSomali leader begins 2-day working visit to Burundi DR Congo normalises relations with western neighboursFrench President Sarkozy expected in Kinshasa next weekDRC citizens to obtain biometric passport in AprilInt'l mini-marathon slated for 29 March in Kinshasa Ivorian Prime Minister urges mutinous soldiers to remain calmGbagbo: "Whoever delays Ivorian elections is a criminal"Gbagbo reaffirms his desire for Ivorian peaceGbagbo signs Ivorian amnesty law ON THE WIRE OIF to suspend MadagascarParis, France (PANA) - The Secretary-General of the InternationalOrganisation of the Francophony (OIF), Mr Abdou Diouf, has convened anextraordinary session of the Permanent Council of the Francophony(CPF) to decide on the country's suspension until the restoration ofconstitutional order. 22/03/2009 Full Text... Mar 22, 2009
OIF to suspend Madagascar. OIF to suspend Madagascar ... Last week, former Antananarivo Mayor Andry Rajoelina forcefully assumed Madagascar's presidency, after ousting President Marc Ravalomanana. (Panapress.com)
Venezuela military 'seizes ports' Mar 22, 2009
Madagascar unrest harms burgeoning tourist industry. . (BBC News -- Americas)
Madagascar: African Union Suspends New Govt Over 'Coup' Mar 21, 2009
com: Madagascar: African Union Suspends New Govt Over 'Coup' (Page 1 of 1). Madagascar: African Union Suspends New Govt Over 'Coup ... Cape Town The African Union (AU) has taken the first step towards imposing sanctions on the new army-installed government of Madagascar. (allAfrica.com)
A Greek Tragedy in Madagascar Mar 20, 2009
com: Madagascar: A Greek Tragedy That Will Hurt Investment (Page 1 of 1). Madagascar: A Greek Tragedy That Will Hurt Investment ... Deposed President Marc Ravalomanana brought the house of Madagascar down upon himself. (allAfrica.com)
Madagascar: Southern Africa Threatens Sanctions Against Govt Mar 20, 2009
com: Madagascar: Southern Africa Threatens Sanctions Against Govt (Page 1 of 1). Madagascar: Southern Africa Threatens Sanctions Against Govt ... Cape Town The Southern African Development Community (SADC), which represents the governments of the region, has threatened the new rulers of Madagascar with sanctions unless they return the country to constitutional rule. (allAfrica.com)
African Union suspends Madagascar Mar 20, 2009
The African Union on Friday suspended Madagascar from the continental body, saying the replacement of the island nation's president by an army-backed politician constitutes a coup. The union's decision follows the declaration a day earlier by Southern African nations that they will not recognize Madagascar's new leader, Andry Rajoelina ... The AU's second most important body, the Peace and Security Council, has given Madagascar six months to restore a constitutional government, probably through... (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Africans reject Madagascar leader Mar 20, 2009
Southern African countries have refused to recognise Madagascar's new leader, Andry Rajoelina, who on Tuesday ousted the democratically-elected president. Regional body Sadc, to which Madagascar belongs, said constitutional rule should be restored as soon as possible ... The AU is due to meet on Friday to discuss the situation in Madagascar. (BBC News)
Madagascar: Rajoelina's Way is Fraught With Pitfalls Mar 20, 2009
com: Madagascar: Rajoelina Assumes Power (Page 1 of 1). Madagascar: Rajoelina Assumes Power ... Antananarivo After 24 months as self-declared head of a transitional authority, the deposed mayor of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, was confirmed as the new president of Madagascar by the Constitutional Court on Mar. (allAfrica.com)
New Madagascar leader cements grip Mar 19, 2009
Army-backed Madagascar leader cements grip ... Jerome Delay / APA Madagascar soldier goes through the Lavoloha presidential palace outside Antananarivo, Madagascar, onWednesday ... ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar - Madagascar's new president, Andry Rajoelina, celebrated and consolidated power Wednesday after being appointed by the Indian Ocean island's military in a move that drew international disapproval. (MSNBC -- International)
Why did Madagascan president lose support? Mar 19, 2009
ANTANANARIVO, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Madagascar's political chaos continued Tuesday as the country's top generals, ignoring President Marc Ravalomanana's order to transfer power to a military directorate, gave control to the opposition leader ... Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries ... Though Ravalomanana has resigned, Madagascar is likely to spend more time restoring stability. (Xinhuanet, China)
Danny Boyle, Parker Posey, Amy Winehouse Mar 19, 2009
In recent years samples of Dr. King's speeches have turned up in songs like "Long Way to Go" by Gwen Stefani and "Madagascar" by Guns N' Roses. The musician DJ AM is seeking $20 million in damages for injuries he sustained in a plane crash in South Carolina last year, according to reports. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Madagascar: Protestant Leader Reported Released From Detention Mar 19, 2009
com: Madagascar: Protestant Leader Reported Released From Detention (Page 1 of 1) ... Madagascar: Protestant Leader Reported Released From Detention ... Geneva The head of the largest Protestant church in Madagascar is reported to have been freed after being detained on 17 March by unspecified military personnel following the resignation of President Marc Ravalomanana. (allAfrica.com)
Military hands power in Madagascar to ex-DJ Mar 19, 2009
Madagascar military hands power to opposition leader - CNN.com ... Madagascar military hands power to opposition leader ... Madagascar military hands power to opposition leader Andry Rajoelina. (CNN -- International)
Madagascar court backs handover Mar 19, 2009
Madagascar's highest court has backed the handover of power to interim leader Andry Rajoelina ... Zambia called for the immediate suspension of Madagascar from the African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (Sadc) ... Zambian Foreign Minister Kabinga Pande also told a news conference in Lusaka: "Zambia rejects the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar.". (BBC News -- Africa)
'Call me president' Mar 18, 2009
A man lies dead in the streets after shots from Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana's offices in Antananarivo on 7 February 2009 ... Call me president,' declared Madagascar's Andry Rajoelina, after he was handed power by the army, completing the fiery 34-year-old's ouster of Marc Ravalomanana after a deadly months-long crisis. (iAfrica.com)
FACTBOX-Madagascar's new president Rajoelina Mar 18, 2009
March 18 (Reuters) - Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina has taken the presidency of Madagascar after President Marc Ravalomanana stepped down following a power struggle ... Madagascar military personnel pack their belongings at the entrance of the presidential palace outside the capital Antananarivo March 18, 2009 ... Madagascar risked criticism from around the world on Wednesday after a. (AlertNet)
Young leader takes power in Madagascar Mar 18, 2009
Madagascar's new president, Andry Rajoelina, celebrated and consolidated power on Wednesday after being appointed by the military in a move that flouted the Indian Ocean island's constitution ... "With so many people below the poverty line I can't see the international community abandoning Madagascar in the long run, and (Rajoelina) knows this," Lydie Boka, of Paris-based risk group StrategieCo, told Reuters ... The AU had demanded the constitution be respected "scrupulously." But the fact the... (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
'I fear a civil war' Mar 18, 2009
Rindra is a 34-year-old mother, from Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo ... She fears that Madagascar will now slip into civil war, as supporters of the ousted leader clash with soldiers loyal to the former mayor, Andry Rajoelina ... If it can help the president - after what he has done for Madagascar - I am ready. (BBC News -- Africa)
Soldiers take unoccupied presidential palace in Madagascar Mar 17, 2009
Rebel soldiers, loyal to opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, approaching the downtown presidential office in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Monday ... Soldiers broke into an unoccupied presidential palace Monday and took it over in a symbolic show of force after Madagascar's opposition leader called on the army to arrest the president ... Mr. Ravalomanana is accused of misspending public funds and undermining democracy in Madagascar an Indian Ocean island known both for its natural beauty and its... (International Herald Tribune)
Malagasy views on stand-off Mar 17, 2009
Madagascar views on power struggle ... BBC News website readers in Madagascar have been sending us their reaction to the ongoing power struggle and civil unrest ... It is inadmissible that a "coup d'Etat" still exists in Madagascar in 2009, 50 years after colonization and a military regime under Ratsiraka. (BBC News -- Africa)
Hostile attacks Mar 17, 2009
Page last updated at 14:14 GMT, Monday, 16 March 2009. French face tough Afghan reality. (BBC News)
Rebels no more Mar 17, 2009
Pressure grows on Madagascar head. China seeks export carbon relief. (BBC News)
Indian elections Mar 17, 2009
Pressure grows on Madagascar head. WATCHED/LISTENED. (BBC News -- South Asia)
A face-off intensifies in Madagascar Mar 16, 2009
Madagascar's opposition leader Andry Rajoelina greeting supporters at the end of a religious service on Sunday ... Madagascar's chief opposition leader, Andry Rajoelina, emerged from two weeks of hiding over the weekend, declared he was taking charge of the nation and told thousands of cheering supporters that he was giving the president, Marc Ravalomanana, a deadline to step down ... For seven weeks now, Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, with a population of 20 million, has... (International Herald Tribune)
Madagascan president refuses to resign Mar 16, 2009
" Madagascar's opposition leader Andry Rajoelina greets his supporters at the end of a religious service at Antananarivo's city centre March 15 ,2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) He appealed to the armed forces to remain neutral and called his supporters to respect democracy and wait for next national election in 2012 "if somebody wants to make a coup". "I know your concern about the soldiers who will arrest me and follow by a coup", said Ravalomanana. He appealed to the armed forces to return to... (Xinhuanet, China)
Everything in moderation, and other letters Mar 16, 2009
Regarding your editorial How risky is that drink. (March 13): Medical researchers should know that many of us now read news of their latest findings as comedy, not as helpful advice. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Explosions near Madagascar presidential palace Mar 16, 2009
Explosions were heard near Madagascar's presidential palace on Monday, raising tensions in the crisis between President Marc Ravalomanana and the opposition. Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina has been demanding Ravalomanana's resignation and calling himself Madagascar's de facto leader in a crisis since the start of this year which has killed at least 135 people and is crippling the economy ... "Madagascar has to turn its back on the cycle of violence. The only possible way of reaching a... (International Herald Tribune)
Madagascar opposition leader says controls army Mar 15, 2009
Madagascar's opposition leader Andry Rajoelina said on Sunday that he had the army's backing and was giving the orders during a standoff with the Indian Ocean island's president. He is urging President Marc Ravalomanana to step down in a crisis that has killed more than 135 people this year and threatens to derail Madagascar's economy ... Madagascar's army has remained traditionally neutral during various periods of political volatility since independence from France in 1960. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
