Jamie, one of my fellow future Volunteers, tells me that the U.S. Department of State has issued a Travel Warning for Madagascar, effective until May 1. At this point, there are no updates from the Peace Corps beyond yesterday's press statement, and no indications that programs won't go as planned. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Peace Corps Volunteer A State of Mind writes: Opposition Leader Declares Himself in Charge
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Madagascar in the News: Opposition Leader Declares Himself in Charge
Updates from CNN...
Caption: Madagascan soldiers on patrol in Antananarivo on January 29, 2009. The mayor of Madagascar's capital city, Andry Rajoelina, on Monday sought the removal of President Marc Ravalomanana in the wake of violent anti-government protests that left dozens dead. Photo: AFP/File/Richard Bouhet
The head of the opposition to Madagascar's government took to the streets Saturday, declaring himself the nation's leader after a week of violence and looting that killed at least 83 people and wounded more than 300.
Andry Rajoelina, mayor of the capital city of Antananarivo, called on supporters to demand the resignation of President Marc Ravalomanana and said he plans to give orders until a transition government can be established. (Source: CNN)
Jamie, one of my fellow future Volunteers, tells me that the U.S. Department of State has issued a Travel Warning for Madagascar, effective until May 1. At this point, there are no updates from the Peace Corps beyond yesterday's press statement, and no indications that programs won't go as planned. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Posted by Liz at 7:25 PM 0 comments
Labels: news
Friday, January 30, 2009
Madagascar in the News: Protests in Tana
My friend Lindsey, who is a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mozambique, sent me this article on Monday.
"Anti-government protesters in Madagascar have looted and set fire to the offices of the state broadcaster in the capital Antananarivo." (Source: BBC News)
Clay provided a similar article from the International Herald Tribune, and the discussion amongst several of us destined for Madagascar in June prompted me to look out for follow-up articles.
A BBC article from Tuesday (Jan. 27) informs us that 20 burned bodies were found in a looted store following Monday's protests. A Reuters article on Wednesday (Jan. 28) stated that the death toll had risen to 40, and both the U.S. Department of State and the African Union have issued statements urging both President Ravalomanana and Antananarivo Mayor Andry Rajolina's supporters to "resolve the current crisis through dialogue and respect for constitutional order and legality."
Now, for the part that I'm hoping will reassure you. Although the State Department has issued a statement on the violence, they have only issued a short-term Travel Alert for Madagascar at this time, rather than a Travel Warning. (You can view the official statement here.) There are a number of countries currently on the Travel Warning list where Peace Corps Volunteers are serving, so even being moved up to the next category doesn't necessarily mean that my service will be affected in any way. News reports don't indicate that there has been any additional violence today.
Finally, the Peace Corps has issued a statement on the situation in Madagascar and the safety of the Volunteers currently serving there, which you can read in full here.
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 30, 2009 - The situation in Madagascar was calm today throughout most of the country although tensions continue. Peace Corps Madagascar has been in regular contact with all Volunteers, who remain on stand fast as a precautionary measure. All Volunteers in Madagascar are accounted for and safe.
Peace Corps staff in Madagascar are working closely with the U.S. Embassy to carefully monitor the situation. They will, if necessary, take appropriate actions under the Peace Corps/Madagascar Emergency Action Plan. The safety and security of Volunteers is the number one priority of the Peace Corps. (Source: Peace Corps.)
So the answer to your question is yes, I'm still going, as long as they're willing to send me.
Posted by Liz at 3:33 PM
