Underlying Conflicts Continue to Unsettle Madagascar : Africa Wide - Informed Insights - Interviews with Experts

Madagascar was diplomatically isolated following a 2009 coup d'état that the international community took as final proof that drastic action was required to bring political stability to the giant, environmentally diverse but impoverished island nation off Africa's southeast coast. On the surface, normalcy seemed to have been restored with the installation in 2014 of the government of Hery Rajaonarimampianina, which was elected in 2013 with 54% of the vote. However, the underlying causes for political instability remain, including long-held rivalries between major political leaders. The ability of the military to stay out of civilian affairs is also a perennial concern. ACM discussed the current state of Madagascar with Malagasy political scientist, Adrien Ratsimbaharison, author of 'The Failure of the United Nations Development Programs for Africa' and long-time commentator on his native Madagascar.