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The sun rises behind Baobab trees at Baobab alley near the city of Morondava, Madagascar
Image: Baz Ratner/REUTERSImage: Baz Ratner/REUTERS

Madagascar

Madagascar is an East African island nation located in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique. The former French colony is the leading global producer of vanilla but also one of the world's poorest countries.

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All Content on this topic

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina gestures to supporters during a political rally as part of his re-election campaign, in Toamasina, on November 11, 2023

Madagascar: Andry Rajoelina reelected as president

Ten of his 12 presidential rivals boycotted the poll complaining of an "institutional coup" in favor of the incumbent.
PoliticsNovember 25, 2023
A member of the NGO Action Contre la Faim measures the arm circumference of an infant

Madagascar drought: Surviving on cacti

DW correspondent Adrian Kriesch reports from the Ambovombe region in the island nation's south.
Food SecurityOctober 27, 202203:35 min
Three elderly men sit on the dusty ground in a village, against an orange-colored wall

Madagascar region faces food, water scarcity

The area's worst drought in decades has left residents of the Toliara region in dire need of food and water.
Food SecurityOctober 18, 202201:49 min
Madagaskar | Trockenheit und Hunger

Madagascar's south waits for rain

Aid agencies are providing emergency assistance while trying to address the key challenge: access to water.
Food SecurityOctober 13, 202201:47 min
Afghan men carrying sacks of food aid

Oxfam: Acute hunger has surged in climate hot spots

Poorer countries are the most affected in what is a "stark demonstration of global inequality," the charity reports.
Food SecuritySeptember 16, 2022
Malagasy gendarmes pointing rifles at protesters in the coastal city of Toamasina after officers beat up a resident who refused to respect confinement. Archive image from June 3, 2020.

Madagascar: Police say officers killed 19 in albino protest

The protesters were demanding suspects in the kidnapping of an albino child be handed over to them.
CrimeAugust 30, 2022
Locals stand on a damaged road following a landslide after Cyclone Batsirai hit Madagascar

Cyclone Batsirai kills several in Madagascar

The full force of the cyclone hit Madagascar's coast. At least 10 people have been killed and several towns damaged.
CatastropheFebruary 6, 2022
Eritrea's winter athlete Shannon Abeda.

Beijing 2022: Africa's winter athletes go for glory

Six Olympians from five African nations will represent the continent at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.
SportsFebruary 4, 20226 images
Minister Serge Gelle lying down and wearing camouflage uniform

Madagascar minister 'swims 12 hours' to shore

The Malagasy secretary of state for police was traveling to the site of a shipwreck along with three police officers.
CatastropheDecember 22, 2021
Madagaskar Antananarivo | Nahrung für Straßenkinder

Madagascar hunger crisis

Hundreds of thousands of people in southern Madagascar are facing hunger and drought.
Human RightsOctober 27, 202106:28 min
A child carrying a toddler along a dusty road in Madagascar

Madagascar faces devastating drought

Madagascar's worst drought in 40 years has left hundreds of thousands of people fighting for survival.
CatastropheAugust 11, 2021
President Andry Rajoelina

Madagascar president targeted in assassination plot

Several have been arrested over an assassination plot against President Rajoelina, Madagascar prosecutors have said.
CrimeJuly 22, 2021
Der nigerianische Präsident Buhari besucht den Bundesstaat Borno

Africalink On Air 14.07.2021

President Buhari says Nigeria is a lucky country+++South Africa crisis continues+++Ghanaian farmers support each other.
PoliticsJuly 14, 202130:00 min
A member of the NGO Action Contre la Faim gives drinking water to an infant during a malnutrition screening session in the Municipality of Ifotaka, in southern Madagascar

African countries confront drought crisis

While Madagascar struggles to tackle a looming famine, Zimbabwe has high hopes for sustainable agriculture.
Nature and EnvironmentMay 7, 2021
Madagaskar Antananarivo | Coronakrise | angeblich heilender Tee

Studio Talk: is Madagascar's herbal drink worth the hype?

DW takes a closer look at Madagascar's 'miracle cure': COVID-19 Organics herbal drink.
HealthMay 19, 202009:17 min
A man in Madagascar gets a bottle filled up with COVID Organics

COVID-19: Tests for herb Artemisia begin

A herb touted by Madagascar's government as healing coronavirus is undergoing tests by a group of researchers.
HealthMay 15, 2020
Students in Antananarivo, Madagascar hold up bottles of 'COVID Organics'

COVID-19: WHO cautions against traditional herbs in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against the use of traditional herbs in the treatment of COVID-19.
HealthMay 5, 2020
Pope Francis celebrates mass in Madagascar

Madagascar: Pope Francis holds mass for 1 million

The pontiff urged the crowd to build history "in complete respect for the Earth and its gifts."
PoliticsSeptember 8, 2019
Pope Francis is welcomed by Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi as he arrives in Maputo at the start of his visit to Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius.

Pope arrives in Mozambique with climate change in focus

Climate change, corruption and poverty will be on the agenda in the pope's talks with leaders in three African nations.
Nature and EnvironmentSeptember 5, 2019
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One man against the mafia in Madagascar's disappearing rainforest

In Madagascar, the population lives in abject poverty while a timber mafia mercilessly exploits the country's natural wealth. Clovis Razafimalala is one of the few people who dares to call out corruption and criminal activity in a bid to save the rainforest.
Nature and EnvironmentJanuary 22, 201903:41 min
Andry Rajoelina

Andry Rajoelina wins Madagascar presidential runoff

The electoral commission has announced the provisional result, despite allegations by his opponent of electoral fraud.
PoliticsDecember 27, 2018
Madagascans vote in runoff election

Madagascar votes in showdown between ex-leaders

Madagascans are voting in a runoff election that pits two former leaders — and bitter rivals — against each other.
PoliticsDecember 19, 2018
Nigeria Präsident Muhammadu Buhari bei Militär in Maiduguri

Africa Link on Air - 28 November 2018

Nigerian president rallies his troops after extremist attacks+++Journalists unearth how UN covered up killings in DRC
PoliticsNovember 28, 201829:59 min
Election posters on a wall in Antananarivo

Disillusionment overshadows Madagascar vote

Money, not policy, is set to decide the election in Madagascar.
PoliticsNovember 6, 2018
Simbabwe Wahl | Nelson Chamisa, Opposition - MDC

Africalink on Air - 23 October 2018

Zimbabwe’s opposition calls for a dialogue to fix economic crisis+++President Erdogan gives details in Khashogi's murder
PoliticsOctober 23, 201829:59 min
A group of pre-trial detainees in Madagascar stand behind half-opened prison bars, facing the cameria

Madagascar: Pre-trial deaths in custody revealed

A new report from Amnesty International has revealed as many as 52 pre-trial detainees died in prison last year
Human RightsOctober 23, 2018
Bombenanschläge in Kenia 1998

Africa Link on Air - 07 August 2018

Kenya, US mark 20 years since al Qaeda's first major attack+++9 candidates to vie for Cameroons post amidst unrest
PoliticsAugust 7, 201829:59 min
Andry Rajoelina, presidential candidate in Madagascar, sitting at his desk

Andry Rajoelina plans political comeback in Madagascar

In an exclusive interview with DW, former Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina talks about his candidacy in 2018.
PoliticsAugust 7, 2018
An elephant and a lion in Tanzania's Selous game reserve

Conservationists honored with German Africa Award

Tanzania’s Gerald Bigurube and Madagascar’s Clovis Razafimalala are this year's recipients of the German Africa Award.
Nature and EnvironmentMay 23, 2018
Madagascar Antananarivo

Tense standoff in Madagascar

Demonstrators took to the streets of the capital in protest of a new electoral law they say is too restrictive.
PoliticsApril 21, 2018
Man wearing a mask in Madagascar

Madagascar plague kills dozens

Madagascar is struggling to contain an outbreak of plague in several cities. The UN and WHO have stepped up efforts.
HealthOctober 3, 2017
Seegras Farmer Tampolove, Madagaskar

No more fish? We'll farm seaweed

Waning natural bounty on the coast of Madagascar is spurring fishermen toward new alternatives.
Nature and EnvironmentJuly 25, 2017
FES Konferenz Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Annual African Youth Conference

Young Africans: 'We need respect and equality'

Ahead of the G20, a group of young African leaders and activists met in Johannesburg to discuss the role of the youth.
PoliticsJuly 3, 2017
Zyklon in Madagaskar

Death toll in Madagascar cyclone rises

Cyclone Enawo has killed 38 people and injured more than 100 in the drought-stricken island nation.
CatastropheMarch 11, 2017
Afrikareise Erdogan in Mosambik

Erdogan in Africa

In Africa, Turkey's president is seeking support for his anti-Gulen campaign. He is also looking for for new markets.
PoliticsJanuary 25, 2017
Madagaskar Bombanschlag

Two dead in Madagascar blast

The authorities brand an explosion in a stadium a terrorist attack, identity of assailant(s) unclear
June 27, 2016
Paramedics stand inside the University Hospital of Antananarivo (HJRA) to give wounded people the first aid after a bomb blast around

Scores wounded in deadly Madagascar 'terror attack'

At least two people have been killed and over 80 people wounded in a grenade attack at a stadium in Madagascar.
June 27, 2016
Antananarivo, Madagaskar (Photo: DW/Peter Hille)

Bubonic plague festers in Madagascar

Almost 50 people have died in a bubonic plague outbreak on the island of Madagascar.
November 25, 2014
A market at a slum in Madagascar

40 dead in Madagascar plague outbreak

A bubonic plague outbreak has killed 40 people in Madagascar. The WHO warns there is a risk the disease could spread rapidly in the capital Antananarivo, where there is high population density and poor sanitation.
November 22, 2014

Madagascan challenges

President Rajaonarimampianina wants to reestablish the rule of law and fight corruption.
February 12, 2014
Flaggen African Union AU

AU welcomes back Madagascar

The African Union has lifted its suspension on Madagascar, which it sanctioned following a 2009 coup. The recent installment of a democratically-elected leader prompted the move.
January 27, 2014
Hery Rajaonarimampianina

Madagascar inaugural violence

Madagascar's new president has taken office. Hery Rajaonarimampianina’s inauguration was marred by an explosion afterward that killed one person and wounded dozens after the ceremony.
January 25, 2014
Madagaskar Präsident Hery Martial Rakotoarimanana Rajaonarimampianina

Madagascar has president elect

Madagascar's electoral court has declared the country's former finance minister - Hery Rajaonarimampianina - president elect. The ruling followed a legal dispute over alleged rigging in the chaotic vote.
January 17, 2014
Hery Rajaonarimampianina casting his ballot in the December 2013 presidential run-off

Provisional result in Madagascan election

Former finance minister appears to be heading for victory in Madagascan presidential poll
January 3, 2014

Madagascar election disputed

Madagascar's former finance minister, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, is winning the provisional presidential run-off vote tally. Alleged voting irregularities have delayed the final result.
January 3, 2014
Madagaskar Wahlen 20.12.2013

Madagascar votes in run-off

Polling stations have opened in Madagascar for a run-off presidential election. Voters hope the second-round of voting will yield conclusive results and end the island nation's four-year political crisis.
December 20, 2013
Electoral officials count votes in Antananarivo, Madagascar

Phantom candidates

The Madagascan election which was contested by over 30 candidates will be decided in a runoff.
October 31, 2013
Versammlung der Anhänger von Ex-Präsident Marc Ravalomanana in der madagassischen Hauptstadt Antananarivo, aufgenommen am 14.09.2013. Foto: Friederike Müller

Madagascar awaits presidential election results

Four years after a coup plunged their country into chaos, Madagascans are going to the polls
October 28, 2013
A man walks past campaign posters outside a polling centre in the capital Antananarivo, October 25, 2013. The people of Madagascar began voting on Friday in a presidential election they hope will end a five-year crisis and rebuild investor confidence to mend an economy crippled since President Andry Rajoelina seized power in a 2009 coup. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya (MADAGASCAR - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS)

Madagascar presidential election

The people of the island nation of Madagascar are going to the polls to elect a new president. It is the country’s first election since a 2009 coup in which the current president came to power.
October 25, 2013
Aufgenommen von Friederike Müller am 16.07.2013 auf der Straße von Antsirabe nach Morondava, Madagaskar zugeliefert von: Maximilia Borowski copyright: DW/Friederike Müller

Elections upcoming in crisis-ridden Madagsacar

A 2009 coup scared foreign investors from Madagascar. After elections they might return
October 18, 2013