Africa Intel
🇲🇬 Madagascar polls closed and opposition shuns votes Yesterday evening polls have closed in Madagascar following a presidential election that was marred by opposition calls for a boycott and weeks of protest. Voting took place peacefully, though turn-out…
🇲🇬 Madagascar president takes huge lead in early results of low turnout vote
Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina held a predictable lead in an election that was characterized by low turnout and an opposition boycott, preliminary results showed.
In preliminary results from the electoral commission CENI, Rajoelina had garnered more than 72.9% of the estimated total of 6.2% counted so far.
Votes counted so far indicated a turnout of 39.5%, compared to 55% in the equivalent first round of voting in 2018.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina held a predictable lead in an election that was characterized by low turnout and an opposition boycott, preliminary results showed.
In preliminary results from the electoral commission CENI, Rajoelina had garnered more than 72.9% of the estimated total of 6.2% counted so far.
Votes counted so far indicated a turnout of 39.5%, compared to 55% in the equivalent first round of voting in 2018.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Africa Intel
🇲🇬 Madagascar president takes huge lead in early results of low turnout vote Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina held a predictable lead in an election that was characterized by low turnout and an opposition boycott, preliminary results showed. In preliminary…
🇲🇬 President Rajoelina continues to take huge early lead in Madagascar poll
Madagascar’s incumbent President Andry Rajoelina has taken a massive early lead in last Thursday’s election, boycotted by some parties, with votes from 37% of polling stations counted by Sunday evening.
President Rajoelina currently leads with 62.4%, trailed by Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko at 12.2% and ousted ex-president Marc Ravalomanana at 11.2%.
In the polling stations tallied so far, Madagascar’s electoral commission said turnout was 43%.
Some opposition candidates who withdrew from the presidential contest have attributed the record low voter turnout to their calls to voters to boycott the election.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Madagascar’s incumbent President Andry Rajoelina has taken a massive early lead in last Thursday’s election, boycotted by some parties, with votes from 37% of polling stations counted by Sunday evening.
President Rajoelina currently leads with 62.4%, trailed by Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko at 12.2% and ousted ex-president Marc Ravalomanana at 11.2%.
In the polling stations tallied so far, Madagascar’s electoral commission said turnout was 43%.
Some opposition candidates who withdrew from the presidential contest have attributed the record low voter turnout to their calls to voters to boycott the election.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Africa Intel
🇲🇬 President Rajoelina continues to take huge early lead in Madagascar poll Madagascar’s incumbent President Andry Rajoelina has taken a massive early lead in last Thursday’s election, boycotted by some parties, with votes from 37% of polling stations counted…
🇲🇬 Andry Rajoelina set to retain Madagascar presidency
Madagascar’s incumbent President Andry Rajoelina appears set to secure another term as he continues his commanding lead in the presidential election, with votes from more than three-quarters of polling stations counted.
Rajoelina currently leads with 59.7% of the vote, far ahead of his closest opponents, ex-President Marc Ravalomanana at 13.2% and Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko at 12.5%.
The tallied voting stations recorded a voter turnout of just 45%, considered to be one of the lowest voter turnouts in Madagascar’s election history.
The low turnout followed calls for poll boycott by 10 presidential contenders, who also withdrew their candidacies over concerns about the credibility of the election.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Madagascar’s incumbent President Andry Rajoelina appears set to secure another term as he continues his commanding lead in the presidential election, with votes from more than three-quarters of polling stations counted.
Rajoelina currently leads with 59.7% of the vote, far ahead of his closest opponents, ex-President Marc Ravalomanana at 13.2% and Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko at 12.5%.
The tallied voting stations recorded a voter turnout of just 45%, considered to be one of the lowest voter turnouts in Madagascar’s election history.
The low turnout followed calls for poll boycott by 10 presidential contenders, who also withdrew their candidacies over concerns about the credibility of the election.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Africa Intel
🇲🇬 Andry Rajoelina set to retain Madagascar presidency Madagascar’s incumbent President Andry Rajoelina appears set to secure another term as he continues his commanding lead in the presidential election, with votes from more than three-quarters of polling…
🇲🇬 Madagascar's Rajoelina re-elected
Incumbent president Andry Rajoelina is poised for a new term in Madagascar.
The election commission said on Saturday that he won the first round of the presidential election with 58.9% of the votes.
Speaking in Antananarivo, Rajoelina hailed the "people’s choice.
"This year, in the first round of voting, I still managed to secure more than 2 million 850,000 votes, that shows the determination of the Malagasy people to continue along the path of development."
"I'm even more committed to catch up with Madagascar's development lag. Madagascar must shine, and now we're going to continue working to implement all the development plans we've already started for Madagsacar."
The Malagasy people have chosen the path of continuity, serenity and stability," he added.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Incumbent president Andry Rajoelina is poised for a new term in Madagascar.
The election commission said on Saturday that he won the first round of the presidential election with 58.9% of the votes.
Speaking in Antananarivo, Rajoelina hailed the "people’s choice.
"This year, in the first round of voting, I still managed to secure more than 2 million 850,000 votes, that shows the determination of the Malagasy people to continue along the path of development."
"I'm even more committed to catch up with Madagascar's development lag. Madagascar must shine, and now we're going to continue working to implement all the development plans we've already started for Madagsacar."
The Malagasy people have chosen the path of continuity, serenity and stability," he added.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
🇲🇬 In Madagascar two colonels charged with attempting to "destabilise power
Two colonels in Madagascar's army have been charged and detained on suspicion of attempting to "contest" the presidential election and "destabilise the government" ahead of the recent poll.
"Two Madagascan army colonels tried to bribe battalion commanders in the city of Antananarivo with the aim of inciting them to mutiny", head of the gendarmerie's criminal section told.
They acted "with a view to contesting the election and destabilising the government", he said.
In the weeks leading up to the first round of the election on 16 November, the two high-ranking officers offered the equivalent of nearly 25,000 euros to several army officials to incite soldiers to cause unrest.
These officials refused the bribe and reported the two men to the general staff, who lodged a complaint.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Two colonels in Madagascar's army have been charged and detained on suspicion of attempting to "contest" the presidential election and "destabilise the government" ahead of the recent poll.
"Two Madagascan army colonels tried to bribe battalion commanders in the city of Antananarivo with the aim of inciting them to mutiny", head of the gendarmerie's criminal section told.
They acted "with a view to contesting the election and destabilising the government", he said.
In the weeks leading up to the first round of the election on 16 November, the two high-ranking officers offered the equivalent of nearly 25,000 euros to several army officials to incite soldiers to cause unrest.
These officials refused the bribe and reported the two men to the general staff, who lodged a complaint.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Africa Intel
🇲🇬 In Madagascar two colonels charged with attempting to "destabilise power Two colonels in Madagascar's army have been charged and detained on suspicion of attempting to "contest" the presidential election and "destabilise the government" ahead of the recent…
🇲🇬 Madagascar army warns against destabilisation after officers accused of plot
Madagascar's army warned on Wednesday against any attempt to destabilise the country after the island nation's top prosecutor announced that two officers had been charged with inciting rebellion.
The prosecutor, Narindra Rakotoniaina, said in a statement late on Tuesday that two army officers had been jailed and would remain in custody until a hearing on January 16. She did not name the officers or provide their rank.
Addressing reporters, General William Michel Andriamasimanana did not mention the arrests but said the army was committed to respecting the outcome of the election.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Madagascar's army warned on Wednesday against any attempt to destabilise the country after the island nation's top prosecutor announced that two officers had been charged with inciting rebellion.
The prosecutor, Narindra Rakotoniaina, said in a statement late on Tuesday that two army officers had been jailed and would remain in custody until a hearing on January 16. She did not name the officers or provide their rank.
Addressing reporters, General William Michel Andriamasimanana did not mention the arrests but said the army was committed to respecting the outcome of the election.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
🇲🇬 Madagascar court confirmed Andry Rajoelina's election as president
Madagascar's Constitutional Court has confirmed President Andry Rajoelina re-election following a controversial election.
The court said Mr Rajoelina secured 59% of the votes cast, declaring him elected for a third term.
It dismissed complaints by the opposition over the credibility of the vote, which recorded a low turnout of 46%.
Most opposition parties boycotted the election.
The Constitutional Court however earlier rejected their bid to annul Rajoelina's bit for a new term.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Madagascar's Constitutional Court has confirmed President Andry Rajoelina re-election following a controversial election.
The court said Mr Rajoelina secured 59% of the votes cast, declaring him elected for a third term.
It dismissed complaints by the opposition over the credibility of the vote, which recorded a low turnout of 46%.
Most opposition parties boycotted the election.
The Constitutional Court however earlier rejected their bid to annul Rajoelina's bit for a new term.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
🇲🇬 Madagascar's president sworn in for third term
Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina was sworn in for a third term after being declared winner of last month's presidential election, and vowed to pursue industrialisation and unity.
Rajoelina, 49, first came to power in a 2009 coup. He stepped down in 2014 but became president again after winning the 2018 election.
"I will be the president who unites all Malagasy people," Rajoelina told thousands of his supporters at the swearing-in ceremony in the capital Antananarivo, that was also attended by six heads of state.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina was sworn in for a third term after being declared winner of last month's presidential election, and vowed to pursue industrialisation and unity.
Rajoelina, 49, first came to power in a 2009 coup. He stepped down in 2014 but became president again after winning the 2018 election.
"I will be the president who unites all Malagasy people," Rajoelina told thousands of his supporters at the swearing-in ceremony in the capital Antananarivo, that was also attended by six heads of state.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
🇲🇬🇬🇧 Madagascar president's ex-aide offered influence for bribes, London jury told
Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina's ex-chief of staff offered to use her influence to obtain bribes from precious stone miner Gemfields, opens new tab in exchange for help with lucrative mining rights, prosecutors told a London court.
Romy Andrianarisoa is accused of seeking substantial payments from Gemfields between 2021 and 2023 to help the company expand its business into Madagascar.
Prosecutor Alex Leach told jurors at Court that Andrianarisoa was, at the time of the alleged offending, a "trusted adviser" to Rajoelina.
Leach said that in 2021, Andrianarisoa met with senior Gemfields staff including CEO about the possibility of mining in Madagascar.
At the meeting, Andrianarisoa "made it clear she had direct influence on the president", Leach added.
According to the indictment, Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau allegedly sought around 270,000 Swiss francs ($310,000), plus a 5% stake in a Gemfield company mining in Madagascar.
#Madagascar #UK
@africaintel
Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina's ex-chief of staff offered to use her influence to obtain bribes from precious stone miner Gemfields, opens new tab in exchange for help with lucrative mining rights, prosecutors told a London court.
Romy Andrianarisoa is accused of seeking substantial payments from Gemfields between 2021 and 2023 to help the company expand its business into Madagascar.
Prosecutor Alex Leach told jurors at Court that Andrianarisoa was, at the time of the alleged offending, a "trusted adviser" to Rajoelina.
Leach said that in 2021, Andrianarisoa met with senior Gemfields staff including CEO about the possibility of mining in Madagascar.
At the meeting, Andrianarisoa "made it clear she had direct influence on the president", Leach added.
According to the indictment, Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau allegedly sought around 270,000 Swiss francs ($310,000), plus a 5% stake in a Gemfield company mining in Madagascar.
#Madagascar #UK
@africaintel
🇲🇬 Madagascar approved the law allowing castration of child rapists
Madagascar's Parliament has passed a law allowing for the chemical and, in some cases, surgical castration of those found guilty of the rape of a minor.
The law has prompted criticism from international rights groups, but also found support from activists who say it's an appropriate deterrent to rapes.
Parliament in Madagascar passed the law on February 2 and the Senate, the upper house, approved it last week. It must now be ratified by the High Constitutional Court and signed into law by President Andry Rajoelina, who first raised the issue in December.
Justice Minister Landy Mbolatiana Randriamanantenasoa said it's a necessary move because of an increase in child rape cases.
Offenders would also face sterner sentences of up to life in prison as well as castration.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Madagascar's Parliament has passed a law allowing for the chemical and, in some cases, surgical castration of those found guilty of the rape of a minor.
The law has prompted criticism from international rights groups, but also found support from activists who say it's an appropriate deterrent to rapes.
Parliament in Madagascar passed the law on February 2 and the Senate, the upper house, approved it last week. It must now be ratified by the High Constitutional Court and signed into law by President Andry Rajoelina, who first raised the issue in December.
Justice Minister Landy Mbolatiana Randriamanantenasoa said it's a necessary move because of an increase in child rape cases.
Offenders would also face sterner sentences of up to life in prison as well as castration.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
🇲🇬 Madagascar president's ex-aide convicted of offering mining licence for bribes
Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina's ex-chief of staff was convicted in a London court on Tuesday of offering to help precious stone miner Gemfields, opens new tab win lucrative mining rights in exchange for substantial bribes.
Romy Andrianarisoa was accused of seeking substantial payments from Gemfields between 2021 and 2023.
She came into contact with Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson in 2021 and offered to help the company expand its business into Madagascar.
Gemfields, which owns the Faberge jewellery brand, became suspicious and approached Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA), which deployed an undercover officer posing as a consultant negotiating on Gemfields' behalf.
Andrianarisoa, who had worked for energy giant BP and Chinese state oil major CNOOC before becoming an adviser to Rajoelina, said in evidence that she wanted Gemfields to get a mining licence for the benefit of Madagascar.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina's ex-chief of staff was convicted in a London court on Tuesday of offering to help precious stone miner Gemfields, opens new tab win lucrative mining rights in exchange for substantial bribes.
Romy Andrianarisoa was accused of seeking substantial payments from Gemfields between 2021 and 2023.
She came into contact with Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson in 2021 and offered to help the company expand its business into Madagascar.
Gemfields, which owns the Faberge jewellery brand, became suspicious and approached Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA), which deployed an undercover officer posing as a consultant negotiating on Gemfields' behalf.
Andrianarisoa, who had worked for energy giant BP and Chinese state oil major CNOOC before becoming an adviser to Rajoelina, said in evidence that she wanted Gemfields to get a mining licence for the benefit of Madagascar.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
🇲🇬 Deadly cyclone hits northern Madagascar
A cyclone that hit northern Madagascar on Wednesday has left at least six people dead and forced 2,000 out of their homes.
Local news reports say that “flooding caused significant damage” with roads and bridges affected.
The AFP news agency, citing the disaster management authority (BNGRC), puts the death toll from cyclone Gamane at 11.
It reports that six of the victims drowned, while the others died after being hit by falling trees or collapsing houses.
"It's rare to have a cyclone like this. Its movement is nearly stationary," Gen Elack Andriakaja, BNGRC director-general said.
"When the system stops in one place, it devastates all the infrastructure. And that has serious consequences for the population. And significant flooding.”
#Madagascar
@africaintel
A cyclone that hit northern Madagascar on Wednesday has left at least six people dead and forced 2,000 out of their homes.
Local news reports say that “flooding caused significant damage” with roads and bridges affected.
The AFP news agency, citing the disaster management authority (BNGRC), puts the death toll from cyclone Gamane at 11.
It reports that six of the victims drowned, while the others died after being hit by falling trees or collapsing houses.
"It's rare to have a cyclone like this. Its movement is nearly stationary," Gen Elack Andriakaja, BNGRC director-general said.
"When the system stops in one place, it devastates all the infrastructure. And that has serious consequences for the population. And significant flooding.”
#Madagascar
@africaintel
Africa Intel
🇲🇬 Deadly cyclone hits northern Madagascar A cyclone that hit northern Madagascar on Wednesday has left at least six people dead and forced 2,000 out of their homes. Local news reports say that “flooding caused significant damage” with roads and bridges…
🇲🇬 Madagascar cyclone Gamane kills at least 18, displaces thousands, government says
A tropical cyclone that swept across the island of Madagascar this week killed at least 18 people and displaced thousands more, the country's disaster management office said on Friday.
Tropical cyclone Gamane, which crossed the northeast of Madagascar on Wednesday and Thursday, displaced more than 20,000 people, the National Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) said in a report. Three others were injured and four were still missing, it added.
Gamane made landfall north of Vohémar in northeast Madagascar on Wednesday morning with average winds of 150 km per hour and gusts of 210 km per hour, BNGRC said late on Thursday.
It slowly dissipated on Thursday afternoon while still over land, the disaster management office said, having dumped heavy rain and caused flooding in many localities.
Roads and bridges collapsed in the north of Madagascar, BNRGC said.
#Madagascar
@africaintel
A tropical cyclone that swept across the island of Madagascar this week killed at least 18 people and displaced thousands more, the country's disaster management office said on Friday.
Tropical cyclone Gamane, which crossed the northeast of Madagascar on Wednesday and Thursday, displaced more than 20,000 people, the National Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) said in a report. Three others were injured and four were still missing, it added.
Gamane made landfall north of Vohémar in northeast Madagascar on Wednesday morning with average winds of 150 km per hour and gusts of 210 km per hour, BNGRC said late on Thursday.
It slowly dissipated on Thursday afternoon while still over land, the disaster management office said, having dumped heavy rain and caused flooding in many localities.
Roads and bridges collapsed in the north of Madagascar, BNRGC said.
#Madagascar
@africaintel