We are Madagascar

By Michael J.W. Stickings

As some of you may know, The Reaction is one of North America's leading blogs on all things Madagascar. Oh, I'm exaggerating, you say? Well...

In December 2006, I wrote a post on "Ravalomananamania" -- that is, on President Marc Ravalomanana's re-election win.

That's only one measly post, you say? Well, that's one more post on Madagascar than you'll find at most blogs, no? What's more, I mentioned Madagascar in this post on the abuse of girls in Africa.

So that's one post and one passing reference. Not bad.

Well, let's make it post #2:

Things aren't looking so good for Ravalomanana. Here's the BeeBeeCee:

Madagascar's opposition leader has said he has a mandate to lead a transitional government, hours after troops stormed one of the president's palaces.

Speaking to the BBC, Andry Rajoelina denied that the dramatic seizure of the palace amounted to a coup.

But he said that the President Marc Ravalomanana no longer had the right or the power to run the country.

President Ravalomanana, holed up in another palace, was quoted as saying he was prepared to die with his guards.

Needless to say, stay tuned. We'll be watching this closely.