Madagascar turmoil

This item appears on page 18 of the February 2010 issue.

In December, the current president of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, formally rejected a power-sharing deal, issued a decree firing the Prime Minister and declared a planned upcoming meeting of parliament illegal.

Rajoelina has announced plans to hold a parliamentary election on March 20, 2010. Travelers are advised to avoid any public demonstrations.