2009.03.12: March 12, 2009: Headlines: COS - Madagascar: Safety: Personal Web Site: Peace Corps Volunteer A State of Mind writes: I think it's over, folks.

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Madagascar: Peace Corps Madagascar : Peace Corps Madagascar: Newest Stories: 2009.03.16: March 16, 2009: Headlines: COS - Madagascar: Safety: Peace Corps Press Release: Peace Corps Madagascar Program Suspended : 2009.03.09: March 9, 2009: Headlines: COS - Madagascar: Safety: Personal Web Site: Peace Corps Volunteer Brendan's Mad. Adventure writes: From a still VERY safe part of the island : 2009.03.12: March 12, 2009: Headlines: COS - Madagascar: Safety: Personal Web Site: Peace Corps Volunteer A State of Mind writes: I think it's over, folks.

By Admin1 (admin) (141.157.67.67) on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 8:56 pm: Edit Post

Peace Corps Volunteer A State of Mind writes: I think it's over, folks.

Peace Corps Volunteer A State of Mind writes: I think it's over, folks.

Consolidation of current Volunteers is confirmed by the Peace Corps; there are rumors about evacuation. I think it's extremely possible - likely, even - but I lack an authoritative source at this time. We went down this same road a month ago, so I'm reluctant to accept it until I hear it from the Peace Corps. But I've also been obsessively checking the news feeds today, so even in my reluctance, I'm realistic.

Peace Corps Volunteer A State of Mind writes: I think it's over, folks.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Caption: Madagascan soldiers separate supporters of opposition leader Andry Rajoelina and President Marc Ravalomanana in the capital Antananarivo February 14, 2009. Photo: Reuters/Carl Hocquart/Files

I think it's over, folks.

The U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo confirms yesterday's rumors:

Due to the unstable political situation in Madagascar, the U.S. Embassy has authorized departure of non-emergency personnel and family members of Embassy employees. Additionally the Peace Corps has decided to send all Madagascar-based Peace Corps volunteers to South Africa and temporarily suspend their Madagascar program.

Also, Reuters has published an...interesting...series of "What If?" scenarios. Some of their conclusions are fairly accurate - there are not a lot of indications that TGV and R8 could work out an effective power sharing agreement, and it is absolutely true that things will not improve until they both recommit to negotiations - but as for the rest of it...I think Sara said it best:

This is a little sensationalist...From what I hear, the drama is focused in the larger cities. Doesn’t civil war have to be pretty far-reaching? No one I know wants to take up arms. Who would people be fighting against?

Friends of Madagascar, you're in my thoughts.

Posted by Liz at 8:41 AM 0 comments
Labels: crisis 2009, news

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Wish I knew if the things I heard are so...

Consolidation of current Volunteers is confirmed by the Peace Corps; there are rumors about evacuation. I think it's extremely possible - likely, even - but I lack an authoritative source at this time. We went down this same road a month ago, so I'm reluctant to accept it until I hear it from the Peace Corps. But I've also been obsessively checking the news feeds today, so even in my reluctance, I'm realistic.

Before I got invited to the Peace Corps, it had never crossed my mind to want to go to Madagascar. But for days now, I've been trying to wrap my mind around the idea that I might go somewhere else, and it's not working so well. (Which is not to say, oh Omnipotent Placement Staff, that I will refuse a new invitation, if that be your will. Just that...you'll need to give me some time to get accustomed to the idea.)




Links to Related Topics (Tags):

Headlines: March, 2009; Peace Corps Madagascar; Directory of Madagascar RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Madagascar RPCVs; Safety and Security of Volunteers





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Story Source: Personal Web Site

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Madagascar; Safety

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