No reason was given for the decision.

The move comes months after political unrest in the country. Former president Andry Rajoelina, who had been elected for a third term in a disputed 2023 poll, was removed from power following weeks of protests over persistent power and water shortages.

In October last year, Rajoelina was formally stripped of his Malagasy nationality after it emerged that he had acquired French citizenship in 2014, a step that violates the country’s nationality laws, which forbid dual citizenship for sitting presidents.

Officials argued that by obtaining French nationality, Rajoelina had automatically forfeited his Malagasy citizenship, making his presidency constitutionally invalid.

Randrianirina, the military officer who led the coup, was sworn in as head of state on 17 October. He pledged to organise elections within two years and restore civilian rule. However, his administration has faced scepticism both domestically and internationally over its legitimacy and the timeline for a return to democracy.

In December, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) directed Madagascar’s military authorities to submit a roadmap for restoring democracy, including plans for fresh elections by the end of February.

On Monday, March 9, Randrianirina dismissed the entire government and assigned permanent secretaries to oversee the day-to-day operations of ministries until a new cabinet is formed.

Randrianirina has not explained the reason for the mass dismissals. However, leaders of the Gen Z movement, whose grassroots mobilisation helped bring the military leader to power, have called for greater inclusiveness in the transition process and more representation in decision-making structures.

Activist groups known as the Gen Z and Gen Y movements recently issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding Randrianirina’s resignation, citing frustration with his performance, according to local media reports.

Businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo had been appointed prime minister in October in an attempt to bridge the divide between military leadership and civilian governance.

Leaders of the Gen Z movement rejected his appointment at the time, stating that it was made in a “non-transparent” manner and “without consultation”.

The group demanded to know how Rajaonarivelo had been selected, citing what it described as his connections to the previous administration.

They added that the decision “runs contrary to the desired structural change” the movement was seeking.

The index , which measures perceived levels of public sector corruption, is compiled using data from 13 different sources, including expert assessments and business surveys. The 2025 edition reflects evaluations conducted in 2024.

Presenting the findings in Antananarivo, Dominique Rakotomalala, board chair of Transparency International, Initiative Madagascar (TI-IM), said the country has been struggling with integrity issues for several years.

“The refounding of the State that we are supposed to be experiencing cannot become a reality without a resolute, coherent and sustainable fight against corruption,” he said.

Rakotomalala warned that corruption is more than a governance issue, describing it as a direct obstacle to development, social justice and public trust. He added that persistent corruption and its impact on living conditions could fuel public unrest.

TI-IM’s Executive Director, Mialisoa Randriamampianina, linked the decline in part to Madagascar’s weakening democracy indicators. She said the country’s score in the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) index has fallen by one point each year over the past three years, dragging down its overall CPI performance.

Transparency International said the latest results underline the importance of political integrity, media freedom and protection of civic space in the fight against corruption.

The intelligence agency claims that Macron has authorised a plan to “eliminate ‘undesirable leaders’ in Africa,”  comparing the strategy to historical American operations in South America.

The SVR report describes the French leadership as “refined racists from Paris” who are struggling to maintain their reputation as a “parasitic metropolis, robbing its former colonies and hindering their development”.

The agency further alleges that France is “directly supporting terrorists of various stripes” and collaborating with the “Ukrainian regime” to supply militants in the Sahel with drones and instructors to destabilise sovereign governments.

A primary target of this alleged "destructive attention" is Madagascar, where a military takeover in October 2025 ousted President Andry Rajoelina. 

The SVR claims that because the new government under Colonel Randrianirina is “committed to developing relations with BRICS,” Paris is actively “exploring ways to overthrow” the new president to “restore a loyal regime”.

The coup in Madagascar followed a period of intense domestic turmoil triggered by widespread economic discontent, with 80% of the population living below the poverty line and the country suffering from high levels of corruption. The immediate spark for the 2025 protests involved persistent power outages and water shortages in the capital, Antananarivo. 

The movement was largely driven by Generation Z activists, organised via the "Gen Z Mada" social media movement, which used symbols like the "Jolly Roger" flag from the anime One Piece to represent rebellion against oppressive systems. 

The transition of power was finalised on October 15, 2025, after the elite military unit CAPSAT aligned with demonstrators and Parliament impeached Rajoelina, who eventually fled into exile citing an assassination plot.

The SVR’s warnings of French-backed destabilisation coincide with a major security incident in Niger. 

On January 29, General Abdourahamane Tiani, leader of Niger’s military junta, accused France, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire of sponsoring a "terrorist attack" on the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey.

The assault, which involved gunfire and explosions, damaged the fuselage and wings of commercial aircraft belonging to ASKY Airlines and Air Côte d’Ivoire. During a televised address, General Tiani named President Macron as a primary sponsor of the operation. 

“We have heard them bark, they should be ready to hear us roar,” Tiani declared. He also extended specific gratitude to Russian troops stationed at the base for “defending their sector” during the skirmish.

The SVR report also links France to an attempted coup in Burkina Faso on January 3, which aimed to assassinate the country's military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. 

Russian intelligence asserts that “France’s involvement... has already been established,” and claims similar efforts are underway to overthrow President Assimi Goïta in Mali through city blockades and terror against civilians. 

Since Rajoelina’s transition , Madagascar has been less governed than managed as a hunting ground for a privileged elite. The Presidential Palace became a hub of organised predation, where advisers ran a disciplined criminal network, shaping decrees, controlling contracts, and striking opaque deals with foreign companies. “Development” became a code for kickbacks. Cabinet members advanced mining and land deals that benefited their clans while blocking essential public services, and intelligence agents enforced the system by suppressing dissent around this core, operating intermediaries who managed laundering, transfers, and offshore channels that drained national wealth. In mining regions, forests were razed, rivers polluted, and gold smuggled out weekly under official protection, investment in name but a liquidation of sovereignty in practice.

The transitional pill or the subtle art of confiscating the nation!

In Malagasy political life, certain words are used so often they lose meaning, and “ transition ” is one of them. It suggests a temporary passage toward renewed democracy, yet our history shows that transitions have never been passages at all. They become lucrative interludes, zones outside normal political rules, where the state stops functioning as an institution and instead becomes an asset controlled by a small circle. A transition has no ideology, no vision, and no project beyond its own survival. Its fuel is the Provisional, a space where nothing is fixed and those in power enjoy near-total freedom because everything remains undefined. In this context, the Provisional becomes a resource to be exploited. This is why transitional governments avoid clear political agreements: agreements close the parenthesis, limit their manoeuvring room, and impose deadlines they prefer to keep vague so the period where anything is possible, even the unspeakable, can continue.

The three little pigs of the republic: The presidency, mines, and finances

The orange-clad presidency did not govern ; it operated like a multinational plunder corporation. It became the central server of an institutional mafia that turned the Malagasy administration into a trafficking hub sanctioned by decree. The Palace was less a seat of power than the headquarters of a white-collar family gang. Madagascar has been treated like an open-air supermarket through the hidden dominance of its mines. The sector wasn’t merely looted but emptied and ravaged with official approval. Across the south, southeast, and central regions, the pattern repeats: Chinese companies signing deals in hours, local authorities facilitating rather than overseeing, resources extracted without compensation or safeguards, and vast stretches of land left as abandoned craters.

The shadow of the ‘Tablieristes’: Why are we trapped in our own poverty?

Madagascar’s persistent poverty is not the work of fate or an ancient curse; it stems from the fact that real power has long operated outside formal institutions. Parallel networks and closed fraternities have placed their people throughout the administration, preventing the rise of a true public meritocracy. The state grew not through exams, standards, or independence, but through belonging to a clan, region, business group, or lodge. When the state is weak, these networks rule; when institutions fail, closed circles decide . The result is an administration suffocated by co-optation, appointments negotiated in back rooms, ministries run by loyalty instead of competence, and entire sectors controlled to protect insiders rather than serve the nation.

World Bank funding to align with refoundation priorities

Resources must respond to citizens’ needs, which is why Economy and Finance Minister Dr. Herinjatovo Ramiarison urges that World Bank funding align with the “Refoundation” Government’s priorities. He reiterated this during the review of World Bank–financed projects, noting that Madagascar has already set its goals: improving access to water and electricity, strengthening health, education, and security, and restoring citizens’ dignity. The focus now is accelerating implementation and ensuring concrete results. The 2023–2027 Country Partnership Framework (CPF) had already outlined the Bank’s strategy for inclusive and resilient growth, centered on three priorities: expanding employment opportunities, improving equitable access to public services, and strengthening resilience to shocks.

Weeks of mounting frustration over power cuts, water shortages, rising living costs, and corruption brought thousands of protesters onto the streets across Madagascar. The demonstrations, largely driven by young people, intensified pressure on Rajoelina’s government.

As unrest spread, an elite military unit launched a coup, claiming to be acting in response to public demands. Facing escalating threats, Rajoelina fled the country, later saying he feared for his life.

Why was Rajoelina stripped of citizenship?

On Friday, Madagascar’s new authorities announced that Rajoelina had been formally stripped of his Malagasy nationality after it emerged he had acquired French citizenship in 2014 — a move that violates the country’s nationality laws, which forbid dual citizenship for sitting presidents.

Officials argued that by obtaining French nationality, Rajoelina had automatically forfeited his Malagasy citizenship, rendering his presidency constitutionally invalid.

Who is leading the country now?

Michael Randrianirina, the military officer who led the coup, was sworn in as head of state on 17 October. He has promised to organise elections within two years and restore civilian rule. However, his government faces scepticism both at home and abroad over its legitimacy and the timeline for a return to democracy.

What’s the link to the money-laundering case in Mauritius?

The crisis took another turn when Maminiaina Ravatomanga, a prominent businessman and close ally of Rajoelina, was arrested in Mauritius. He is accused of laundering more than $160 million through assets in the country.

According to a spokesperson for Mauritius’ Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), Ravatomanga was detained at a private clinic in Port Louis, where he had gone for treatment. The FCC said there were “reasonable grounds to believe” he had managed several entities involved in handling proceeds from criminal activities.

Ravatomanga’s lawyer, Siddartha Hawaldar, confirmed his client’s arrest but declined to comment on the allegations.

The former president’s whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities have not confirmed whether he has sought asylum abroad. Meanwhile, Madagascar’s transitional government faces the challenge of stabilising a nation once again plunged into political uncertainty.

Arrests, protests, and power struggles — Africa’s young people are once again taking to the streets, challenging systems older than their parents. Across the continent, pre-election crackdowns and generational frustration are colliding, revealing deep cracks in long-standing regimes.

Nowhere is that tension more visible than in Côte d'Ivoire, where authorities have intensified arrests of activists, journalists, and opposition figures ahead of the October 25 elections. President Alassane Ouattara, 83, is seeking another term, even as many of his rivals — including former president Laurent Gbagbo and ex–Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam — have been disqualified.

Madagascar: Gen-Z protests then the military take over

Weeks of youth-led protests in Madagascar have reshaped the country’s leadership. The military stepped in after mass demonstrations forced the government to collapse.

Over 60% of Madagascar’s population is under 25, and youth unemployment sits around 14%. This generation, frustrated by economic stagnation and corruption , coordinated their protests digitally through TikTok, WhatsApp, and Telegram.

But as in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the promise of change may prove fleeting. Many of Africa’s Gen Z movements begin with the language of democracy, only to end under military rule.

Cameroon's election overshadowed by age and apathy

In Cameroon, the world waits for the results of a tense election. President Paul Biya, at 92, has ruled for 43 years — longer than most of his citizens have been alive. His challenger, Issa Tchiroma, 76, has already claimed victory and called on Biya to concede, before results have even been released.

Cameroon’s youth - 65% of the population, with a median age of just 18 - are largely disengaged from formal politics after decades of repression. Yet online, their voices are growing louder. Hashtags like #CameroonDecides and #TimeForChange have galvanised diaspora communities in France and Canada, creating new digital pressure on an ageing regime.

While Cameroon’s per capita GDP has risen since Biya took power, the gains have not been evenly felt. High inequality, inflation, and youth joblessness have eroded patience.

Côte d’Ivoire: a narrowing window for democracy

Despite years of peace since its 2011 civil conflict, Côte d'Ivoire’s political climate is tightening. Ouattara’s government is accused of political engineering through disqualifications and arrests.

Though the economy grows at 6% annually, youth unemployment remains high at 12%. Nearly 70% of Ivorians are under 30, yet they’re ruled by leaders from a political era that began before they were born.

Across much of Africa, that generational disconnect is stark: the median age of leaders is 63, while the median age of citizens is just 19.

Africa’s population is expected to double to 2.5 billion by 2050, with young people making up the overwhelming majority. Their demands for accountability, jobs, and representation are reshaping political discourse, often outside traditional systems.

When democratic institutions fail to evolve, the youth find new paths: protest, digital mobilisation, or even backing military “resets” that promise swift change.

Measuring fear in authoritarian states

In countries where citizens fear reprisals, measuring genuine public opinion is notoriously difficult. Researchers can use “list experiments” — indirect surveys that hide sensitive statements among innocuous ones like “I play sport weekly” or “I grow my own vegetables.” Rather than say which ones they agree with, respondents simply say how many statements are true. By establishing an average number of true statements on a control group, researchers can establish what proportion of people disagreed that "The government is doing a good job." without being able to attribute the belief to any individual.

By comparing answers between groups, analysts can estimate true support levels without forcing individuals to speak openly. After the 2021 coup in Mali, such a study revealed that while 74% publicly voiced support for the military government, real approval was closer to 63%.

From Antananarivo to Abidjan, Africa’s Gen Z is demanding something their elders rarely had, accountable leadership. Whether that results in deeper democracy or new forms of control depends on who answers their call.

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World Reframed is produced in London by  Global South  World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

Viory reports that shortly after the vote, Colonel Michael Randrianirina of an elite military unit appeared on national television to proclaim that the armed forces had assumed control of the state. He announced the suspension of key constitutional institutions, including the Senate and the Constitutional Court, while installing a transitional authority expected to govern for up to two years before a national referendum and elections . The National Assembly, however, will remain in place during the transition. 

Earlier in the day, President Rajoelina condemned the developments as an attempted coup, urging calm in a televised address. Reports later emerged that he had fled the country aboard a French military aircraft, though his whereabouts remain unconfirmed.

The move comes amid weeks of widespread unrest across Madagascar, driven largely by young protesters angry over corruption, rising living costs, unemployment, and chronic shortages of power and water. The United Nations estimates that at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in recent clashes, although government officials dispute these figures.

Rajoelina, a former DJ-turned-politician, first came to power in 2009 after mass protests led to the ousting of then-President Marc Ravalomanana. He was re-elected in 2018 and again in 2023.

“In response to the Malagasy people ’s demand for the restoration of democracy, the rebuilding of trust in state institutions, and a government based on justice and accountability, we hereby issue this decree suspending the 2010 Constitution in its conflicting provisions,” he said.

The decree, labelled 2025-001, also suspends several major institutions, including the Senate, the Constitutional Court, the electoral commission, and the High Council for the Defence of Democracy. Only the National Assembly will remain functional during the transition, Viory reports.

The military announced the creation of a transitional government, a restructured judiciary, and a two-year period leading to a national referendum and new elections .

This intervention follows weeks of intense protests over economic hardship, corruption, and allegations of electoral manipulation.

According to United Nations estimates, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in recent clashes, although government officials dispute the figures. Colonel Randrianirina said the military's move was necessary to prevent further instability, claiming that external emigration and internal unrest had reached a breaking point. “The plundering of national resources has led to the deterioration of the economy and the mass exodus of youth,” he said.

Demonstrators, many of them young, have accused authorities of ignoring widespread poverty and rising costs of living.

In response to a private jet controversy, veteran opposition leader Paul Bérenger condemned what he described as “amateurism” and a lack of strict oversight by Mauritian authorities. Bérenger questioned how a high-profile individual fleeing a political crisis could enter the country without immediate checks and transparency from government agencies. He also called for tighter aviation, customs, and immigration regulations to prevent such lapses in the future. According to Bérenger, the event reveals a worrying absence of accountability and coordination within Mauritius’ administrative systems.

Mauritius marks 23 years of autonomy with a call for unity and good governance

Mauritius celebrated 23 years of autonomy, and the presidential message delivered a strong appeal for national unity and ethical leadership. The speech highlighted the values of “unity, inclusiveness, and transparency” as cornerstones of the nation’s continued success. The president emphasised that “alone we go faster, together we go further,” urging citizens and leaders alike to strengthen the country’s social fabric and democratic institutions. The commemoration served as both a celebration and a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.

Creole language to make history in Parliament

The Speaker of the National Assembly has announced that an interim report on introducing the Creole language in Parliament will soon be submitted. The move represents a historic shift in Mauritius’s legislative tradition, acknowledging the language spoken by the majority of Mauritians as a key element of national identity. Advocates for the policy argue that allowing Creole in parliamentary proceedings would promote accessibility, representation, and transparency in governance. It would also mark an important milestone in decolonising public institutions and affirming local linguistic pride.

Businessman close to Madagascar’s president flees to Mauritius amid political turmoil

Mauritius has found itself entangled in a regional controversy after a businessman reportedly close to Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina fled Madagascar and landed in the island nation aboard a private jet. The man’s unexpected arrival has stirred political debate, particularly as Madagascar continues to face unrest and growing calls for transparency within its government. Authorities in Mauritius are said to be investigating the circumstances surrounding his arrival, with local media questioning how the private jet was cleared to land.

The demonstrations, spearheaded by the country’s so-called “Gen Z” movement, made up of young activists born between 1997 and 2012, erupted on September 25 in Antananarivo before rapidly spreading nationwide.

Protesters erected barricades, torched vehicles, and looted shops, prompting a violent crackdown by security forces. The UN human rights office said casualties included both demonstrators and bystanders.

Rajoelina’s announcement removes Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and his cabinet but stops short of meeting protesters’ demands for his own resignation.

“I heard the call, I felt the suffering,” Rajoelina said in a televised address, while promising measures to stabilise businesses hit by unrest and to accelerate electricity and water projects.

Madagascar’s Foreign Ministry rejected the UN casualty figures, calling them based on “rumours,” but local civil society groups have confirmed widespread violence.

Gen Z leaders say the government shake-up is not enough and vowed to return to the streets on September 30 to intensify protests.

The unrest highlights deep governance challenges in the Indian Ocean nation, where nearly 80% of urban households face frequent power outages and water shortages .

Observers warn the crisis could escalate further ahead of upcoming local elections, with Rajoelina facing the most serious challenge to his rule since his 2023 re-election.

“Malagasy people need to unite, that’s what’s causing this movement,” one protester said. “We are tired, fed up and completely lost, so let’s fight for the good of the youth and the next generation,” he added.

But as the demonstrations grew, anger turned destructive, and businesses were vandalised. Offices were damaged, and homes looted as protests spiralled out of control.

“It is sad because the demand for electricity and water has now ended, and ordinary people’s property has been destroyed and badly damaged,” said protester Edhia Cathy.

“The destruction of homes started with the demand for electricity and water and ended with theft and destruction of other people’s property. How can we overcome this situation?” added Kevin Julio, another demonstrator.

Protesters accused police of contributing to the situation when they deployed tear gas to disperse crowds, triggering panic and opening the door to looting.

“What we asked for was a simple and peaceful demand, but the police responded with a repressive force,” said Hasina Ramanantsoa. 

“They fired tear gas bombs and there was chaos. Businesses were looted. It should have been a peaceful movement, but now it has become a looting movement, causing chaos among the Malagasy people,” he told Viory.

The deaths began after a birthday party in Antananarivo, where 17 people were reported to have died from poisoning.

Since then, similar cases have been recorded in different regions, with the national death toll rising to at least 42.

In the southern town of Ambohimahazo, multiple deaths were also linked to food served at a party.

While some reports suggest the poisoning may have been intentional, health officials are still waiting for lab test results to confirm the cause.

The situation has triggered widespread concern among the public, especially in the capital. Small street restaurants, known locally as "gargotes," have been especially hard hit, with some vendors reporting income losses of up to 70% as customers stay away.

The animals include ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, spider tortoises, and radiated tortoises.

These species which are found only in Madagascar and listed as near-extinct or threatened will be placed in special care centres once they return home.

Thailand’s environment minister Chalermchai Sri-on said this is the first time animals are being returned before the end of legal proceedings.

“This is a significant step in anti-trafficking operations,” he was quoted as saying.

Max Andonirina Fontaine, Madagascar’s environment minister on his part said the move shows the power of collaboration.

“When two countries collaborate, we can really make a success story,” he was quoted .

CEO Craig Scherba said the shipments are intended for important demand markets. This move is significant for Madagascar’s economic development and will help the country become a key supplier of graphite to global markets.

“These initial container shipments of SuperFlake® graphite are destined for key demand markets for higher value graphite products, including refractory materials and graphite foils for consumer electronics and fire-retardant applications,” Scherba was quoted .

The Molo mine is partly backed by Mick Davis, former CEO of Xstrata, through his investment firm Vision Blue, which has a stake in NextSource.

Video evidence of jumping leeches in Madagascar captured by researchers from Fordham University has ended a centuries-old debate. The discovery, published in Biotropica, highlights the evolutionary advantages and conservation implications of leech behaviour, Wion reports.

Food insecurity

The Ambodifasika United Methodist Church in Madagascar is addressing food insecurity caused by climate change in the region. With assistance from the United Methodist Committee on Relief, church members distributed food and support to communities affected by drought and flooding. The area is plagued by extreme poverty and lack of access to clean drinking water. UM news reports, the church provided essential aid to over 300 individuals, including rice, soap, and clothing. The church is hoping to further support the community with sustainable development projects in the future.

Cable car transport

Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, has introduced a new cable car transportation system that aims to alleviate traffic congestion. The system can transport up to 75,000 people daily but has faced criticism for its cost and prioritisation over other social issues. According to Arise News , the government announced plans for a subsidised fare for students and pensioners and the cable cars are set to be available for public use in 2025.

  Independence Day

UAE leaders, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have congratulated President Andry Nirina Rajoelina of Madagascar on Independence Day. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan also sent a similar message to Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, Catchnews reports.

IMF support

Madagascar has received a $658 million loan from the IMF to support economic growth and resilience. The loan will be used to strengthen climate change adaptation, improve fiscal balance, and create fiscal space for investment. The country's growth prospects appear favourable, but it remains vulnerable to climate shocks. According to Market Forces Africa , the IMF and the authorities are implementing measures to improve governance, and transparency, and fight against corruption. The new loan arrangements aim to support Madagascar's program focused on strengthening human capital, accelerating economic development, and improving governance.

"Antananarivo was built for 300,000 inhabitants. Now there are three million of us. This is going to reduce traffic jams and it's also a non-polluting form of transport," the Malagasy president said .

The project, financed through a $162 million loan from France, underwent safety tests throughout June. Despite the ambitious goals, there are concerns about the affordability of tickets, which are priced six times higher than bus fares, and the reliability of the power supply needed for operation.

President Rajoelina, re-elected for a third term last year and formerly the Mayor of Antananarivo, has defended the project against criticism that it deepens the country's debt to France, Madagascar's former colonial ruler.

"We have to dare to transform and develop our country. It's always the people who criticized who couldn't do anything. Whether we should have done this project or not, I say yes. You know, there was a lot of criticism of the construction of the Eiffel Tower. But what is it now that attracts tourists to France? Isn't it the Eiffel Tower?" Rajoelina stated.

To address affordability concerns, the government announced plans for subsidized fares for students and pensioners. The cable cars are scheduled to open to the general public in 2025.

President Rajoelina is expected to choose a firm to manage the transport facilities. Reports indicate that two French companies are vying for the contract to oversee both the technical and commercial operations of the cable car system.

Research suggests that the majority of the wildlife species on this island transferred to the island through sea crossing.

Scientists propose three theories to explain how this happened. First, is the suggestion that the majority of these species swam from mainland Africa when Madagascar split off from Africa and became an island during the early Jurassic, some 180 million years ago. The second theory suggests that the animals descended to Madagascar when the island split from the Indian subcontinent along with Seychelles more than 81 million years ago. The third says that animals walked to the island via land bridges which were opened at some period.

Whatever the theories, these animals, the rarest of their kind all over the world, have made Madagascar an absolute world tourist destination for many.

Here are seven of Madagascar's species you will never find anywhere else in the world.

Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)

The aye-aye is one of the world’s most unusual primates related to chimpanzees and apes. It’s a squirrel-like animal with large eyes. They are usually black or dark brown and have long middle fingers with pointed claws. The aye-aye uses its big toes to dangle between trees and locate grubs, which it extracts by tapping on the trees and listening for insects in tree barks. It uses its middle finger to fish out these insects. It coils up in a ball-like nest of leaves and branches during the day. They are considered an omen of ill luck by the natives of the island but are protected by law because they are going extinct.

Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)

The Fossa looks like a cat but is Madagascar’s top predator. It is the largest of the Mongoose family and dominates the forest. It grows up to 6 feet long and weighs 26 pounds. It is considered an intelligent and agile mammal that can hunt both on the ground and in the trees, preying on lemurs and other small animals. With its cat-like body and dog-like snout, the fossa impacts large populations of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Ploughshare Tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora)

The ploughshare tortoise, or angonoka, is currently the world’s most threatened tortoise. It is native to the dry forests of the Baly Bay National Park in northwest Madagascar. The attractive tortoise gets its name from the plough-like extension on its lower shell. This rare species are currently protected from international smuggling, manhunts, imprisonment, and even murder.

Indri (Indri indri)

The indri is the largest living lemur found in the forests of Madagascar. They are herbivores known for their distinctive calls which they use to communicate with each other. With long limbs and a short tail, the Indri moves through the trees. They have long dog-like muzzles sticking out from their faces with big round eyes. Indris are often featured in local folklore and traditions.

Tomato Frog (Dyscophus antongilii)

Tomato Frogs get their names from their bright red tomato-like colour although the males usually have brown orange colouring. They live in the rainforests and swamps of eastern Madagascar. The rare species is known for fighting off predators by secreting a sticky, poisonous mucus through its pores. The Tomato Frog is more active at night and hides during the day. There are conservation efforts to protect the amphibians that are usually caught for the pet trade.

Giraffe Weevil (Trachelophorus giraffe)

One of Madagascar’s many unique insects, the giraffe weevil is known for its extremely long neck, particularly in males. This insect is the largest in the weevil family. It lives in small trees and feeds on leaves. They are usually found at the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park in Madagascar. Other beetle species like the New Zealand Giraffe Weevil share a common name.

Malagasy leaf-nosed snakes

Also known as the spear-shaped snake, the Malagasy leaf-nose snakes has a peculiar shape. The males are brown and yellow with a spear-shaped nasal area while the females have a leaf-shaped nasal extension and are greyish in colour. Their eyes and nasal openings are on the top of their heads, giving them an upper hand over prey. They are sleeker in water than on land.

Tanzania Meteorological Authority warns of a new cyclone, Ialy, forming in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar. The cyclone is expected to remain between Madagascar and Seychelles for four days before weakening. TMA advises sea users and the public to monitor forecast information and seek guidance, The Citizen reports.

Paris 2024 Olympic Games in tennis

Madagascar, Nigeria, and Cameroon secured spots at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in tennis. Fabio Rakotoarimanana made history as the first Madagascan to qualify. According to Vanguard , Nigeria's Offiong Edem and Olajide Omotayo, as well as Cameroon's Sarah Hannfou, also earned their spots. The qualification tournament was hosted by the Rwanda Table Tennis Federation.

Preservation of aquatic organisms

Madagascar held a workshop emphasising the importance of the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO)Ballast Water Management (BWM) and Anti-fouling Systems Conventions (AFS). The BWM Convention aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms in ships' ballast water, while the AFS Convention sets controls on certain harmful substances in anti-fouling systems. The workshop focused on implementing and enforcing the conventions at the national level. Mirage News indicates that the IMO has been running workshops to encourage ratification and effective implementation of the conventions, leading to a growth in ratification status and improved protection of the marine environment.

Free surgeries for selected patients

Hospital ship Africa Mercy is set to commence free life-changing surgeries for selected patients in Madagascar. Since arriving in February, they have implemented an extensive strategy covering diverse regions in Madagascar. This marks their fourth field service in the country, providing over 6,425 life-changing surgical procedures and training 2,019 healthcare professionals in previous visits. Africa.com reports that the organization aims to increase the number of surgical providers and deliver training across the surgical ecosystem. Over 3,000 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board. Patients will begin boarding the ship in two weeks to receive surgeries. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org.

Catholic Church rejects law allowing for castration of paedophiles

Madagascar's Catholic Church denounces law allowing castration of paedophiles, calling it "torture" and a violation of human rights and ethics. The law has also faced criticism from human rights groups for being "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment." Despite the high rates of child rape in Madagascar, the government's justification for the law has been met with scepticism, Crux reports.

Among these is the discovery of the world’s 8 th continent, an entire world mostly underwater. Zealandia as it is named consists of a group of islands about six times the size of Madagascar according to the BBC , covering 1.89 million square miles or 4.9 million square kilometers.

The continent which is considered the youngest yet by scientists is similar to New Zealand with 94 percent of it under water and was part of Gondwana, a supercontinent that existed a billion years ago from which most of the world’s continents including Africa, and South America emerged.

According to the BBC, the continent was originally found by an experienced Dutch sailor Abel Tasman in 1642 but later rediscovered by a group of geologists in 2017, 375 years after the initial discovery by Tasman.

The Zealandia Island also known as Te Riu-a-Māui in the Māori language is considered the smallest, and thinnest in the world.

Its crust is said to have began being stretched that it now only extends 20km down. Scientists describe the area as a continent because its crust is made up of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks while the ocean floor is made up of basalt.

While there is more scientific exploration underway to retrieve more findings about the origin of the island, living things that were on the island among other things, Rupert Sutherland, a Professor of Geophysics and Tectonics at the Victoria University of Wellington says that it will take a lot more time and years to discover more about Zealandia.

“It's quite hard to make discoveries, when everything is 2km (1.2 miles) underwater, and the layers that you need to sample are 500m (1,640ft) beneath the seabed as well," he says. "It's really challenging to go out and explore a continent like that. So, it just takes a lot of time, money, and effort to go out and ships and survey regions," the BBC quoted him.

Zealandia, according to the Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited , is the first-ever continent to have its geology, volcanoes and sedimentary basins fully mapped out to its underwater edges.

The new law states that persons found guilty of raping a child under ten years old will be castrated surgically before facing life imprisonment. Convicts found guilty of raping victims between ten and thirteen years old will be chemically castrated and face 15 to 20 years of forced labour, Le Quotidien reports.

The law however exempts culprits who are minors from castration.

 “The reform of this law stems from awareness of the increasing number of sexual crimes committed against minor children. Its objective is to establish deterrence by introducing new sanctions and more rigorous repression. The law redefines the notion of rape and organizes penalties according to the age of the victims while seeking to neutralize sexual predators by the introduction of surgical or chemical castration,” a press release from the lower house indicated.

Minister of Justice Landy Randriamanantenasoa said that the new law will help expose such perpetrators and serve as a deterrent to others.

“Society needs to know what they did,” she was quoted by Le Quotidien .

Madagascar’s old law on the rape of minors stated that convicts would face between five and 20 years of forced labour.

The new law comes just days after Kazakhstan announced a similar law where the country's worst offending child sex offenders will have their genitals surgically removed.

The outbreak in Comoros was introduced by a Tanzanian ship according to reports.

After the bacterial conjunctivitis epidemic which occurred in January, the Mahajanga authorities remain cautious, hence this decision. “We are currently facing an epidemic of severe influenza, followed by bacterial conjunctivitis. We cannot afford to be affected by other diseases. We will closely monitor our borders,” Mokhtar Salim Andriatomanga, governor of the Boeny region was quoted by the Madagascar Tribune .

The report further noted that commercial boats are authorised to sail but passengers can only disembark after fifteen days in confinement.

Meanwhile, interim measures have been taken to ensure the disease is prevented. Disinfectant gel has been made available to passengers at the airport and there is increased coastal surveillance to prevent the arrival of illegal ships.

Madagascar’s health ministry and government have put in these measures to avoid the record of any cholera cases.

Cholera awareness campaigns are also being run on social media platforms.

The country’s last recorded cholera epidemic was in 1999 causing 1,300 deaths and 25,000 infections.

The country reported an annual loss of up to 7 tons of gold recording 2,423 kilos of gold exported in 2019 and 1,778.83 kilos in 2020, according to an official Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) report.

According to the government, only 3,051 kilos of gold were legally exported a year before, with 12 to 15 tonnes smuggled according to an investigation carried out in Dubai, Madagascar’s main gold recipient.

This led to a loss of an estimated $945 million for the country.

In 2020, disparities between official data and real data on gold exports led to the suspension of exports. While world statistics showed 20 tonnes of gold exported, only 2 tonnes of gold were declared on Malagasy territory. 938 kg of gold was also officially declared exported while statistics from recipient countries indicated 2 to 3 tonnes of gold imports yearly from Madagascar.

The suspension was lifted in 2022, accompanied by a series of measures aimed at better regulation and clean-up of the sector by tracing the production process from extraction to exportation.

According to Madagascar Tribune , the government has also announced a project to build a gold refinery plant.