First Independent Mena Newspaper
The United Nations has condemned Madagascar’s latest military coup, calling for a swift return to constitutional order following the swearing-in of Colonel Michael Randrianirina as interim president. The move comes after weeks of youth-led protests over power and water shortages that killed at least 22 people and injured over 100. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through […]
Madagascar faces its most severe political crisis in over a decade as a wave of Gen Z-led protests has escalated into what President Andry Rajoelina describes as an attempted coup. The unrest intensified after CAPSAT, the elite military unit that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009, declared its allegiance to the protesters and announced […]
President Andry Rajoelina’s call for national dialogue fell flat on Wednesday (8 Oct) as thousands of protesters, led by Madagascar’s Gen Z movement, boycotted the talks and vowed to escalate demonstrations unless demands are met. More than 1,500 representatives from civil society — including church leaders, academics, unions, and entrepreneurs — attended the presidential palace […]
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as prime minister, in a high-stakes move to quell mounting nationwide protests. The unrest, now in its third week, was initially sparked by widespread water and electricity shortages but has since grown into a broader revolt against Rajoelina’s rule. Announcing the appointment on Monday […]
Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy is expected to grow by 3.8% in 2025, a modest but meaningful rebound driven by easing inflation, stabilizing currencies, and improving investment conditions, according to the World Bank’s latest Africa Pulse report released Tuesday (7 Oct). The forecast marks an upgrade from April’s 3.5% projection and reflects renewed optimism in key economies […]
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina on Monday evening announced the dissolution of the Government, pledging to appoint a new Prime minister within three days. In a televised address, he declared the termination of the duties of the Prime minister and Cabinet members, a decision that followed several days of mass protests in major cities, including the […]
The European Union has announced a €545 million ($638 million) initiative to accelerate Africa’s transition to clean energy, aiming to expand electrification, modernize power grids, and improve access to renewable power across nine countries. Unveiled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Global Citizen Festival in New York, the funding forms part […]
In a landmark move, the French government has unveiled a new bill aimed at simplifying the return of cultural artifacts taken during the colonial period. Introduced by Culture Minister Rachida Dati, the legislation would allow items looted between 1815 and 1972 to be returned by government decree, bypassing the need for time-consuming parliamentary votes. The […]
India and nine African nations have launched the sea phase of AIKEYME-25 — or Africa India Key Maritime Engagement — the first-ever joint naval drill aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean. Co-hosted by India and Tanzania, the six-day exercise marks a major step in strengthening strategic cooperation between India and nine […]
US president Donald Trump has unveiled a controversial new tariff policy, imposing sweeping duties on imports from over 180 countries, including 51 African nations. The tariffs, which include a baseline 10% on all imports and higher duties on certain countries, are part of Trump’s strategy to combat what he describes as unfair trade practices that […]