Tales From Madagascar

​ Madagascar authorities have foiled an alleged assassination plot and coup attempt targeting interim President Michael Randrianirina, charging 13 suspects including high-ranking military officers, with 11 detained as of early April 2026. A coup would be a disaster for the country.  Background on the Plot The conspiracy involved plans to assassinate the 52-year-old president and overthrow the government, uncovered through encrypted WhatsApp messages, SMS exchanges, and secret meetings.  Prosecutors revealed the plot had been in development over a long period, with funding estimated at around 20 billion ariary (approximately $4.8 million) traced to suspects' accounts—some of whom confessed to using these funds. Raids on suspects' homes yielded large sums of money and weapons. Key Suspects and Charges - Colonel Patrick Rakotomamonjy: A former director-level presidential official dismissed in January 2026, identified as a key organiser and coordinator. - Unnamed general: Publicly...

​ Malnutrition remains a critical public health issue in Madagascar. Here are some key statistics that illustrate the extent of malnutrition in the country: 1. General Malnutrition Rates - Prevalence of Malnutrition: According to the Global Nutrition Report (2021), about 37% of children under five years of age in Madagascar are stunted due to chronic malnutrition. This is significantly higher than the global average of around 22%. - Wasting Rates: Approximately 6% of children under five are classified as wasted, meaning they have a low weight for their height, indicating acute malnutrition. This figure is alarming as the threshold for a serious public health situation is 5%. 2. Child Malnutrition - Stunting: The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted in 2018 reported that 44% of children under five are stunted, reflecting long-term nutritional deficiencies. - Underweight Children: The same survey indicated that approximately 25% of children under five are underweight. This refle...

​ I was born in Guernsey and lived there for most of my life barring 12 or so years in Ireland and subsequently decided to retire to Madagascar. This caught my eye and I can understand why the deputy calls for an end to overseas aid.  Guernsey is a small island ( it is a British Crown Dependency) with a population  of around 65,000 people and an estimated GDP of 3’5 billion sterling.  So per capita GDP is relatively high.   The economy faces significant challenges including low productivity, declining labour participation, high inflation, structural fiscal deficits, and relative underperformance. Middle and lower income households are under pressure and some parts of the community are finding it difficult to make ends meet due to the high cost of living and in particular house prices and house rentals.   Guernsey residents will decide but it got me thinking about the pros and cons for wealthy countries to assist poorer nations.  The case for wealthy countri...

​  Madagascar declared a nationwide state of energy emergency for 15 days due to severe fuel supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict involving Iran. Context and Causes The crisis stems from global energy market disruptions triggered by the Iran war, which have driven oil prices higher and created widespread fuel shortages across the island nation.The cabinet statement noted that authorities observed "a deepening energy crisis affecting the entire island, threatening the stability of essential services." Emergency Measures and Powers The emergency declaration grants authorities the ability to implement exceptional and urgent measures to restore fuel availability and maintain public service continuity. Officials indicated the temporary measure is intended to stabilize the situation while longer-term solutions are explored.  During the energy emergency in Madagascar, authorities are permitted to implement various exceptional measures to address the fuel sup...

This blog looks at the challenges, the prevalent infectious diseases and the statistics  supporting the impact on public health of those diseases.   ​What are the main   Public Health Challenges:   Infectious Diseases: Madagascar is particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases such as malaria, which affects a significant portion of the population. The country also has a history of plague outbreaks, which are linked to environmental conditions and inadequate public health infrastructure.  Malnutrition: High rates of malnutrition, especially among children, are a major issue. This is often due to food insecurity, lack of education about nutrition, and limited access to healthcare and food resources.  Healthcare Infrastructure: The healthcare system is underfunded and often lacks necessary resources, trained personnel, and sufficient healthcare facilities. Access to healthcare services in rural areas is particularly limited, exacerbating health issues. Let us ...

In this blog I look at the failures of the education system, the policy changes required, some examples in other countries and finally a guess as to the cost of reforming the system.  ​ Madagascar's education system faces several challenges and failures that have hindered its ability to provide quality education and improve access, particularly in rural areas. Here are some identified failures: 1. High Dropout Rates - Limited Retention Strategies: Many students drop out due to economic pressures, inadequate facilities, and a lack of engaging curriculum. The system lacks effective retention strategies to keep students in school until they complete their education. 2. Quality of Education - Insufficient Teacher Training: Many teachers are inadequately trained, leading to a lack of effective teaching methods and poor learning outcomes. Continuous professional development opportunities are limited. - Outdated Curriculum: The curriculum is often not aligned with the needs of students or...