Latest news in Madagascar? September 4th, 2026
04-09-2026
- Sentencing of Former Senate President: Madagascar’s former Senate President and retired gendarmerie general, Richard Ravalomanana, was sentenced to 10 years of hard labour. A close ally of ousted former president Andry Rajoelina, Ravalomanana was convicted for his role and complicity in the deadly security crackdowns during the anti-government demonstrations of late 2025. His defense team announced plans to appeal the verdict. Channel Africa
- Drought and Food Security in the South: Humanitarian organizations and the BNGRC (National Disaster Management Office) report that severe rainfall deficits and drought continue to impact agricultural yields in southwestern Madagascar and the Grand South, leaving over 20 percent of local households facing poor or borderline food consumption following earlier cyclone disruptions. ReliefWeb
- Internal Security and Child Protection Concerns: Authorities in the Analamanga region surrounding Antananarivo continue addressing heightened public concern and police investigations into a spate of disappearances and homicides involving minors reported over recent months, prompting calls for nationwide alert systems. Agenzia Fides
- Scientific Discovery: Biologists and international researchers formally documented seven newly identified species of diamond frogs (Rhombophryne) across Madagascar’s rainforest floor leaf litter, utilizing historical museum DNA alongside field samples to expand Madagascar’s catalog of protected endemic amphibians. ScienceDaily