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​Madagascar and the parallels with the Sahel

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​ 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...
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Public Health- a pressing issue facing Madagascar- Health workers and the need to increase salaries.

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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,...
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Location: Madagascar
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Pressing Issues facing Madagascar- Poverty and Economic Inequality

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​ 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...
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Location: Madagascar
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A shift from promised reforms to entrenched authoritarianism six months post-coup.

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​ 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...
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Location: Madagascar
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Public Health- a pressing issue facing Madagascar- shortage of health workers.

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​ 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...
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Location: Madagascar
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Public Health - a pressing issue facing Madagascar- inadequate medical infrastructure

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​ The following  illustrates the challenges facing Madagascar's health infrastructure: 1. Limited Healthcare Facilities - Number of Health Facilities: According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Madagascar has about 0.5 hospital beds per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the global average of 3.2 beds per 1,000 people. - Urban vs. Rural Disparities: Approximately 60% of the population lives in rural areas, yet only about 30% of healthcare facilities are located there, creating a significant access gap. 2. Inadequate Resources - Medicine Shortages: A survey by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that 42% of health facilities lacked essential medications for treating common diseases such as malaria and respiratory infections. - Medical Equipment: The WHO has reported that many health facilities lack basic medical equipment; for instance, only 40% of hospitals reportedly have the necessary diagnostic tools like X-ray machines. 3. Workforce Challenges ...
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Location: Madagascar
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Attempted assassination and coup - violence is not the answer!

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​ 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...
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Location: Madagascar
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