Background: Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner.
July 16th 2008Africa » Madagascar » Antananarivo From Matt - Just sent nana, karl and assany to the airport. They should be back in the motherland in 24 hours. Vance Rush and I will fly to Joburg in the morn and will have a 22 hour layover before le ... [full story]
July 12th 2008Africa » Madagascar » Antananarivo From Matt - As you will see below the rest of my family arrived in 'Tana last night. Very strange to be sitting around in Madagascar so far from home with all my brothers and my mother! I really wish ... [full story]
June 25th 2008Africa » Madagascar » Antananarivo Hey all,
Very sorry for the extended absence. I had a little while with nothing very exciting going on, as well as being quite sick for the past few days. Here is a short update on what's been goin ... [full story]
June 21st 2008Africa » Madagascar » Antananarivo One word to describe what i felt is : Wow !
Madagascar got me in my mind and heart.
My trip was too short but it was what i could manage, too many responsibilities ! I spent only ten days in M ... 10 photos[full story]
June 9th 2008Africa » Madagascar » Antananarivo What a weekend! Friday night was a great time at Mojo (the popular ex-pat bar). I've started making friends beyond the couple people I knew before coming. I had a great conversation with two guys, Pat ... 4 photos[full story]
May 29th 2008Africa » Madagascar » Antananarivo Day 28, Monday, May 26, 2008
The original plan today was for me to go to the university to visit the veterinary school and then for all of us to go to a Rotary meeting in the evening. We waited arou ... [full story]
May 26th 2008Africa » Madagascar » Antananarivo Day 25, Friday, May 23, 2008
We were supposed to go to ANGAP (the Madagascar version of the National Park Service) today but the President of Rotary International is in town so our vocational day was ... [full story]
May 21st 2008Africa » Madagascar » Antananarivo
So, Kat, Ralf and I were up at 5.30 getting ready for the transport, which was supposed to be arriving at 6.00 am. Also at the guesthouse was Al, the brand new, just out of the box, dive manager f ... 27 photos[full story]
May 23rd 2008Africa » Madagascar » Antananarivo Day 22, Tuesday, May 20, 2008
During our first three weeks in Madagascar we have suffered a series of illnesses including traveler's gastrointestinal upset, a severe allergic reaction to bug spray an ... 1 photos[full story]
May 21st 2008Africa » Madagascar » Antananarivo Road to Toamasina
We left the capital city Antanarivo (Tana) fairly early in a nine passenger van and headed out to gather the troops for the District Rotary Conference in Tomasina (called Tamatave ... [full story]
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