Tales From Madagascar

I always count myself as being lucky, born in Guernsey ( although occupied in Second World War 2), reasonably well educated and successful. I decide to retire to Madagascar to make a small contribution and advocate for change.  I have not been adversely affected by historical events or traumatised by such events.  This cannot be said by millions around the world. I don’t harbour any resentment.However for many a round the world that is not the case.  So why does national resentment persist and in later blogs we look in more detail in particular at the colonial, imperial and empire builders.   ​ National resentment can persist over time for several reasons, making it challenging to heal. Here are some key factors: 1. Historical Grievances: Events such as wars, colonization, and discrimination can leave deep scars. These grievances are often passed down through generations, creating a lasting impact on national identity and collective memory. 2. Identity and Nationalis...

​ Madagascar is not experiencing the same security threats as the Sahel, the interconnected issues of governance, economic challenges, and environmental stresses highlight some parallel trends. Both regions are navigating complex socio-political landscapes that require holistic approaches to resilience and development. The Sahel region, which spans several countries in North and West Africa, is currently experiencing significant political, economic, and social changes. Here are some major trends affecting the Sahel: 1. Increased Instability and Armed Conflict: The Sahel has seen a rise in violence, often attributed to jihadi groups and local militias. Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are facing escalating attacks, leading to a deteriorating security situation and increased military presence. 2. Military Coups and Regime Changes: Several countries in the Sahel have experienced military coups in recent years, often justified by the need to address security threats from extrem...

Salaries in Madagascar's health sector can vary significantly based on the type of healthcare worker, their level of training and experience, and the geographic location (urban vs. rural). Here are some typical salary ranges for various positions in the health sector: 1. Doctors - General Practitioners (GPs): Salaries typically range from $300 to $600 per month, depending on experience and location. - Specialists: Specialists such as surgeons, anaesthetists, or paediatricians may earn between $800 and $1,500 per month, though this can vary widely. 2. Nurses - Registered Nurses: Salaries usually range from $200 to $400 per month. Higher qualifications, such as a bachelor's degree or additional certifications, can lead to higher earnings. - Nurse Practitioners: Those with advanced training and responsibilities may earn between $500 and $800 per month. 3. Community Health Workers - Health Workers: Community health workers, who often play crucial roles in rural healthcare delivery,...

​ Poverty and Economic Inequality in Madagascar Current Status Madagascar faces significant challenges regarding poverty and economic inequality. As of the latest reports: - Poverty Rate: Approximately 75% of Madagascar's population lives below the national poverty line, with about 93% living on less than $2 per day. This situation has worsened due to the impacts of natural disasters, political instability, and the COVID-19 pandemic.  - Economic Structure: The economy predominantly consists of informal activities, with over 80% of employment in the informal sector, which tends to be unstable and lacks labor protections. Key Issues 1. Limited Access to Basic Services: Access to quality education and healthcare is restricted, particularly in rural areas. The literacy rate is about 74%, and health care services are often insufficient and poorly funded. 2. Agricultural Dependence: Madagascar's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, which employs over 70% of the workforce but is...

​ Amnesty International has issued multiple recent statements and reports highlighting intensified repression in Madagascar, particularly following a military coup in October 2025 that ousted the previous regime amid youth-led Gen Z protests demanding better governance and services. These documents condemn arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, excessive use of force, and vague charges like "criminal conspiracy" and "threats to national security" to silence activists, civil society, and critics under the junta's anti-corruption pretext.  Key Concerns on Repression Post-2025 Coup Amnesty's April 2026 statements focus on the military authorities' crackdown on Gen Z activists: - Arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of protesters voicing concerns over water, electricity shortages, corruption, and governance.  - Invocation of the outdated 1960 Order 60-082 to justify excessive force and criminalise peaceful assembly, violating international stan...

​ The healthcare worker shortage in Madagascar is attributed to several interrelated factors: 1. Insufficient Training and Education Opportunities - Limited Medical Schools: There are only a few medical schools in Madagascar, resulting in a limited number of graduates each year. This restricts the inflow of new healthcare professionals into the workforce. - Quality of Training: Some training programs may not meet international standards, leading to inadequately trained healthcare workers entering the system. 2. Brain Drain - Migration of Professionals: Many trained healthcare workers leave Madagascar for better opportunities abroad. Factors such as higher salaries, better working conditions, and advanced training prospects in countries with robust healthcare systems contribute to this brain drain. 3. Low Salaries and Poor Working Conditions - Compensation Issues: Healthcare workers in Madagascar often receive low salaries that do not reflect the demands of their job. This can deter ind...