Madagascar
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TOI
Context: Madagascar is witnessing a military takeover and mass Gen Z-led protests after President fled into hiding amid mounting unrest over corruption and governance failures.
• An elite military unit, CAPSAT, has seized control as the president’s attempt to dissolve parliament deepened the constitutional and political crisis.
About Madagascar:
• What it is? Madagascar is a sovereign island republic located off the southeastern coast of Africa, known for its unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.
• Madagascar is a sovereign island republic located off the southeastern coast of Africa, known for its unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.
• Capital: The capital city is Antananarivo.
• Border: Although an island, Madagascar lies about 400 km east of Mozambique, separated by the Mozambique Channel, making it part of the southwestern Indian Ocean region.
• History:
• Colonial Past: Madagascar was a French colony until 1960, when it achieved independence, marking the start of its republican governance. Political Instability: The post-independence era has been marked by frequent political upheavals, military coups, and power struggles. 2009 Power Seizure: In 2009, Andry Rajoelina, then a former mayor of Antananarivo, seized power through a coup, triggering international criticism.
• Colonial Past: Madagascar was a French colony until 1960, when it achieved independence, marking the start of its republican governance.
• Political Instability: The post-independence era has been marked by frequent political upheavals, military coups, and power struggles.
• 2009 Power Seizure: In 2009, Andry Rajoelina, then a former mayor of Antananarivo, seized power through a coup, triggering international criticism.
• Geological and Physical Features:
• Three Major Zones: Madagascar consists of three parallel regions—the central high plateau, eastern coastal plains, and western low plateaus. Mountain Ranges: Prominent volcanic massifs include Ankaratra (8,671 ft) and Andringitra (8,720 ft), forming vital watersheds. River Systems: Major rivers such as the Mangoky, Onilahy, and Tsiribihina drain fertile plains, supporting agriculture and settlement. Unique Ecosystems: The island’s isolation has led to distinct biodiversity, hosting endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, earning it the title “the eighth continent.”
• Three Major Zones: Madagascar consists of three parallel regions—the central high plateau, eastern coastal plains, and western low plateaus.
• Mountain Ranges: Prominent volcanic massifs include Ankaratra (8,671 ft) and Andringitra (8,720 ft), forming vital watersheds.
• River Systems: Major rivers such as the Mangoky, Onilahy, and Tsiribihina drain fertile plains, supporting agriculture and settlement.
• Unique Ecosystems: The island’s isolation has led to distinct biodiversity, hosting endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, earning it the title “the eighth continent.”