06:00
MADAGASCAR – SWITZERLAND
The interim Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Lala Monja Delphin Sahivelo, represented President Andry Rajoelina, the Government, and the Malagasy people during the early celebration of Swiss National Day. August 1st, the National Day, commemorates the signing of the Federal Pact in 1921, which unified the Swiss communities. General Lala Monja Delphin Sahivelo extended his congratulations to the President of the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd, the Swiss government, and the Swiss people. The relationship between Madagascar and Switzerland, established since 1961, has been strengthened over the years, based on mutual respect and shared values. The interim Minister expressed his desire to enhance dialogue with Switzerland in order to promote diversified cooperation projects, contributing to a better future for both peoples. Madagascar and Switzerland share common values such as peace and the promotion of human rights. The interim Minister highlighted the importance of Switzerland’s tradition of neutrality and democracy, making it a successful example of sustainable development. He also recalled Switzerland’s commitment to humanism and solidarity, as demonstrated by the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
07:00
TRAFFICKING OF PROTECTED SPECIES
Despite the awareness efforts conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD) and the authorities, trafficking of protected species persists. MEDD agents recently arrested an individual involved in the illegal trafficking of turtles in southern Madagascar. Traffickers have adopted new strategies to supply their network, selling turtles retail and pretending not to need the animals they have domesticated. However, these individuals actually collect these turtles for illegal exportation. During the past month, 10 members of the network involved, including the mastermind behind this illicit activity, have been arrested. These individuals have been brought to justice and detained. It should be emphasized that turtles are endemic species to Madagascar and are considered to be endangered. The collection, sale, transportation, and exportation of these animals are strictly prohibited by Malagasy legislation and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
08:00
BACCALAUREATE 2024
The law enforcement and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Mesupres) are collaborating to ensure the security and smooth conduct of the Baccalaureate exams. Measures will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the exam, and those who are responsible for spreading false rumors of leaked subjects, warns the chief police inspector, Herilala Rakotoarimanana. To prevent incidents, the Baccalaureate subjects are placed under high surveillance, while several alternative subjects have been developed in case of leaks, indicates the interim Minister of Higher Education, Fidiniavo Ravokatra.
10:00
CLUBS FONGOTRA
The month of July marks the end of programs within the Fongotra Clubs in colleges and high schools throughout Madagascar. Recently, the Club animators, focal points, and university members in Antananarivo gathered to discuss the achievements and challenges faced during the year in the colleges and high schools of the Big Island. They exchanged on various themes and good practices to be implemented to strengthen the impact of the program. The event also included a motivational speech by Tandrify Ramiaromanana, an interuniversity debate, and an intervention by the Executive Director of TI-MG, Mialisoa Randriamampianina, on the theme “African youth engaged together against corruption.”
11:00
MILITARY FORCES
30 Malagasy soldiers will soon undergo a six-week joint training with the Rangers of the US Army. This training will include a combination of medical training and handling of various weapons. This initiative will help develop links between the military of the two countries to strengthen the security and prosperity of Madagascar and its region, as reported.
12:00
TRAIL
The MA.FA.NA association in Antananarivo, which brings together people from the valleys of Managnano, Farogny, and Namorogna, is organizing a nature trail called “La Traversée des Vallées MA.FA.NA” on August 31, 2024, to celebrate its 46th anniversary. The 79.3 km route will start in front of the public primary school in Namorogna and finish at the Place de la Commune d’Ambila. The association’s objective is to showcase the beauty of the region’s landscapes, particularly through trail running, promote the three valleys and tourism in the region, and stimulate the local economy.
13:00
BACCALAUREATE
The interim Minister of Higher Education assures that there was no leakage of baccalaureate subjects. After verification, he indicates that the subjects spread on social media in the days leading up to the exam are all fake, thus putting an end to circulating rumors of leakage. The baccalaureate examination began this morning without any major incidents throughout the island. As a reminder, 218,359 candidates are registered for the examination in this 2024 session. They are distributed among 413 centers and 6,410 examination rooms across the country.
14:00
PIPELINE EFAHO
Having started in November 2023, the first phase of the construction project for the Efaho pipeline, entrusted to the Chinese company Top International Engineering Corporation, is expected to be completed by the end of the year. This was revealed during a visit to the site by Prime Minister Christian Ntsay. According to the Office of the Prime Minister, this first phase of the project includes the construction of large water collection and purification infrastructure in Andakana, as well as the construction of several pumps to circulate the water to the conduits. It also includes the installation of two pipelines, each 31 km long, as well as an intermediate water reservoir. It is worth noting that 11 kilometers of pipeline are already present on the site and ready to be laid. As a reminder, the Efaho project entails the construction of a giant 97 km pipeline that will transport water from the Efaho River to Ambovombe, with the aim of providing access to clean water for 500,000 inhabitants of the Anosy and Androy regions and irrigating 80,000 hectares of agricultural land. The pipeline will pass through 60 villages in the districts of Taolagnaro, Amboasary Atsimo, and Ambovombe, and will irrigate the plains of Sampona, Maroalopoty, and Maroalomainty.
15:00
MADAGASCAR-LA REUNION
Today, President Andry Rajoelina received the President of the Réunion Region, Huguette Bello, at Ambohitsorohitra. The meeting discussed co-development based on exchanges and complementarity between Madagascar and Réunion, as well as strengthening cooperation in several areas, including health, tourism, education, scientific research, and the blue economy.
16:00
PAJMA
While the Support Project for Justice in Madagascar (PAJMA), which has been supported by AFD since 2019, is expected to end in 2025, the upcoming implementation of PAJMA 2 has been announced. PAJMA targets the Analamanga and Atsinanana regions. Its objective is to modernize and improve public service in the justice system through institutional and operational strengthening of the Ministry of Justice, as well as support for relevant courts and correctional facilities. PAJMA 2 will introduce a component dedicated to infrastructure rehabilitation, including correctional facilities, explained the source.
17:00
DATA ON FORESTS
In 2020, forests and woodlands covered 21.36% of Madagascar. The reduction of forested and wooded areas in Madagascar is also related to measurement challenges. Reliable data is indeed crucial for ensuring sustainable forest management. A mission organized by FAO took place in Moramanga to strengthen the collection of data on forested and wooded areas in Madagascar, through the RSS FRA 2025 evaluation methodology. With the support of the European Union and Norway, this mission enabled 13 experts to learn how to use satellite images to improve the monitoring of forest evolution and forest data collection in the country.
