Coup in Tana

[Daniel Leuck]

To our friends in Tana and all the other cities that have seen violence over the weekend, we want you to know our thoughts are with you. We sincerely hope Ravalomanana and Rajoelina can solve this dispute through a free and fair election, and that there will be no further loss of life. It would be a crime to allow critical foreign investment to evaporate and the nascent eco-tourism industry to wither due to unnecessary political grandstanding. As Dany put it, lets hope they can come together in the "spirit of the fihavanana".

[♥Dany♥]

Izay mahasoa ataon'Andriamanitra....
Deo adiuvante (With God's help)

[Mika Leuck]

It sounds like things have calmed down. Is this true? We hope everyone is safe.

[Daniel Leuck]

I just heard from Dan Austin on Twitter that Sobika is reporting "more than 40" died today alone in demonstrations.

[♥Dany♥]

Alas its true

[Daniel Leuck]

Ravalomanana has agreed to a referendum to determine who will lead the country. If Rajoelina really cares about the people of Madagascar, he will let them decide.

"Madagascar's president said he would allow a referendum to determine whether he continues as head of state, easing tensions in the island nation in the Indian Ocean. The move also sets the military up as the potential kingmaker." - WSJ

I'm happy to see mainstream US media finally covering the coup. Until this week the only way to follow the crisis was Twitter.

[Daniel Leuck]

Ravalomanana is forced out.

[Solofo]

Daniel,
I'm really happy having joined this network of Madagascar lovers. You know all that the current situation is nasty and could be even moving worst if these politicians guys do not want to sit down and negociate.

That's why, with some friends, we have just launched -one week ago- a group, called FIDIOO (Let's Vote or Vote in malagasy) which is aiming to drive all people mind to move quickly as possible to the ballots.

I hope, you with your great networks in the US will give a strong support here.

Solofo

[Daniel Leuck]

Hi Solofo. We are glad you joined!

Solofo: You know all that the current situation is nasty and could be even moving worst if these politicians guys do not want to sit down and negociate.

It is a worrisome situation. There needs to be an election soon. I hope they don't shred the Madagascar constitution in the process of accommodating this "transitional government".

Solofo: That's why, with some friends, we have just launched -one week ago- a group, called FIDIOO (Let's Vote or Vote in malagasy) which is aiming to drive all people mind to move quickly as possible to the ballots.

FIDIOO is a great initiative! We wish you success.

Solofo: I hope, you with your great networks in the US will give a strong support here.

You certainly have our support.