Madagascar president Andry Rajoelina was forced to dissolve the government following deadly protests by the country’s youth over frequent power and water cuts. At least 22 people have died and hundreds injured, according to the United Nations.

Madagascar dissolves government after deadly youth protests 

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has resigned after he was officially confirmed as a candidate in the Indian Ocean Island nation's presidential elections scheduled for November 9, according to the country's constitutional court.

Madagascar's constitution requires a sitting head of state, who wants to contest a presidential election, to first resign.

Rajoelina sent his resignation letter to the court on Saturday following confirmation of his candidature in the elections, the High Constitutional Court said in a statement late on Saturday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/madagascar-president-andry-rajoelina-reportedly-survives-assassination-attempt-399658">Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina reportedly survives assassination attempt</a>

The president of the senate is supposed to assume presidential powers when the head of state resigns but the court said the senate head, Herimanana Razafimahefa, had declined to take over.

"For personal reasons, he will not be able to fully exercise the responsibilities that the office of Head of State requires," the court said referring to Razafimahefa.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madagascar-fm-calls-indo-pacific-a-legitimate-vision-bats-for-peaceful-military-ties-with-india-474163">Madagascar FM calls Indo-Pacific a ‘legitimate vision’; bats for peaceful military ties with India</a>

Instead, the court said, presidential power would now be exercised by the government collectively with the prime minister as the head.

Also on Saturday, Madagascar's High Court published the official list of presidential candidates. Of the 28 contenders, 13 were selected, including Rajoelina and two former presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-12-killed-80-injured-in-a-stampede-in-madagascar-capital-antananarivo-629291">At least 12 killed, 80 injured in stampede at stadium in Madagascar capital Antananarivo</a>

Madagascar is hoping for its third peaceful election since the upheaval of 2009, when Rajoelina ousted President Marc Ravalomananain in a coup, prompting an exodus of foreign investors from the Indian Ocean island. 
 
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Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has resigned after he was officially confirmed as a candidate in the Indian Ocean Island nation's presidential elections scheduled for November 9, according to the country's constitutional court.

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has resigned after he was officially confirmed as a candidate in the Indian Ocean Island nation's presidential elections scheduled for November 9, according to the country's constitutional court. Madagascar's constitution requires a sitting head of state, who wants to contest a presidential election, to first resign. Rajoelina sent his resignation letter to the court on Saturday following confirmation of his candidature in the elections, the High Constitutional Court said in a statement late on Saturday. ALSO READ | Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina reportedly survives assassination attempt The president of the senate is supposed to assume presidential powers when the head of state resigns but the court said the senate head, Herimanana Razafimahefa, had declined to take over. "For personal reasons, he will not be able to fully exercise the responsibilities that the office of Head of State requires," the court said referring to Razafimahefa. ALSO READ | Madagascar FM calls Indo-Pacific a ‘legitimate vision’; bats for peaceful military ties with India Instead, the court said, presidential power would now be exercised by the government collectively with the prime minister as the head. Also on Saturday, Madagascar's High Court published the official list of presidential candidates. Of the 28 contenders, 13 were selected, including Rajoelina and two former presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina. ALSO READ | At least 12 killed, 80 injured in stampede at stadium in Madagascar capital Antananarivo Madagascar is hoping for its third peaceful election since the upheaval of 2009, when Rajoelina ousted President Marc Ravalomananain in a coup, prompting an exodus of foreign investors from the Indian Ocean island. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Madagascar president resigns ahead of polls in November

Leaked documents show that Andry Rajoelina obtained French nationality in 2014. It has caused a stir on the island. Many are seeing it as an act of betrayal. Why is that? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Did Madagascar's president collude with ex-colonial power France?

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday. Authorities have said that it foiled an assassination attempt on Rajoelina and arrested several "foreign and Malagasy" suspects.

Madagascar govt reveals plot to kill President Andry Rajoelina, two arrested

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday, according to the prosecutor general's office.

Authorities allegedly foiled an assassination attempt on Rajoelina and apprehended several "foreigners and Madagascar natives."

Two French nationals were held as part of the probe, according to a diplomatic source.

According to Radio France Internationale, the foreigners detained were Paul Rafanoharana, a Franco-Malagasy, and Philippe Francois, a Frenchman. 
 
Watch | President of Haiti assassinated in private residence: Interim PM

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Rafanoharana was arrested at his house Tuesday evening, according to the media outlet's unidentified source, while Francois was stopped at Ivato Airport as he was preparing to leave for France.

(With inputs from agencies)

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday, according to the prosecutor general's office. Authorities allegedly foiled an assassination attempt on Rajoelina and apprehended several "foreigners and Madagascar natives.

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday, according to the prosecutor general's office. Authorities allegedly foiled an assassination attempt on Rajoelina and apprehended several "foreigners and Madagascar natives." Two French nationals were held as part of the probe, according to a diplomatic source. According to Radio France Internationale, the foreigners detained were Paul Rafanoharana, a Franco-Malagasy, and Philippe Francois, a Frenchman. Watch | President of Haiti assassinated in private residence: Interim PM Rafanoharana was arrested at his house Tuesday evening, according to the media outlet's unidentified source, while Francois was stopped at Ivato Airport as he was preparing to leave for France. (With inputs from agencies)

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina reportedly survives assassination attempt

Madagascar on Saturday received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines through the Covax global sharing scheme, one of the last countries in Africa to obtain the prised jabs following months of resistance by the president.

While countries across the globe scrambled to secure doses of the precious shots, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina showed little interest in inoculation and instead continued to promote a locally brewed herbal drink as the only required coronavirus "cure".

But an unprecedented infection resurge last month forced Rajoelina to bow to growing criticism of his handling of the pandemic and agree to a vaccine rollout.

The first shipment of 250,000 Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs landed on the Indian Ocean island nation on Saturday.

The plane was met by a delegation of government officials and United Nations representatives, although Rajoelina himself did not attend the ceremony.

Health Minister Jean Louis Hanitrala Rakotovao said vaccines would be distributed across the country in two phases, without providing further detail.

"The inoculation is among several efficient preventative measures that will be added to strategies already implemented by the state," he added.

Madagascar's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> response has so far revolved around an infusion based on the anti-malarial plant artemisia and distributed freely across the island.

Dubbed Covid-Organics (CVO), the drink's effects have not been scientifically tested and the World Health Organization issued several warnings against its use.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/african-countries-importing-madagascars-anti-coronavirus-drink-disputed-by-who-297606">African countries importing Madagascar's anti-coronavirus drink disputed by WHO&nbsp;</a>

Rajoelina, however, has touted the tea as a "miracle" coronavirus remedy and snubbed all vaccines.

The president asserted in March that he had no intention of getting the jab and was in no hurry to launch mass inoculation for his citizens.

Madagascar has meanwhile been grappling to contain a spiralling second wave of coronavirus infections.

'Magic potion'

Over the past month, health facilities in the capital Antananarivo have been overwhelmed by a rising number COVID-19 patients compounded by oxygen shortages.

A weekend curfew was implemented three weeks ago in an attempt to curb the spread of infection in the city, forcing everyone off the streets from Friday evening to Monday.

Antananarivo resident Heritiana Rasoamiaramanana told AFP via telephone the government's delay in securing vaccines had been a "grave mistake".

"Since the beginning, the majority of Malagasy have doubted the effectiveness of CVO," said the 39-year-old business owner.

"But the president has continued to insist... that we can trust this magic potion and do not need to get vaccinated," he exclaimed. "Shame on him!"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/madagascar-president-launches-herbal-cure-for-covid-19-296509">Madagascar President launches 'herbal cure' for COVID-19</a>

More than a third of Madagascar's coronavirus cases have been recorded in the past month alone.

Till&nbsp;date, the country of 27 million inhabitants has registered 38,874 infections, including at least 716 deaths.

Covax seeks to ensure poor countries have equitable access to vaccines to combat the pandemic.

The facility is co-led by the World Health Organization, the Gavi vaccine alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Madagascar on Saturday received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines through the Covax global sharing scheme, one of the last countries in Africa to obtain the prised jabs following months of resistance by the president.

Madagascar on Saturday received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines through the Covax global sharing scheme, one of the last countries in Africa to obtain the prised jabs following months of resistance by the president. While countries across the globe scrambled to secure doses of the precious shots, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina showed little interest in inoculation and instead continued to promote a locally brewed herbal drink as the only required coronavirus "cure". But an unprecedented infection resurge last month forced Rajoelina to bow to growing criticism of his handling of the pandemic and agree to a vaccine rollout. The first shipment of 250,000 Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs landed on the Indian Ocean island nation on Saturday. The plane was met by a delegation of government officials and United Nations representatives, although Rajoelina himself did not attend the ceremony. Health Minister Jean Louis Hanitrala Rakotovao said vaccines would be distributed across the country in two phases, without providing further detail. "The inoculation is among several efficient preventative measures that will be added to strategies already implemented by the state," he added. Madagascar's coronavirus response has so far revolved around an infusion based on the anti-malarial plant artemisia and distributed freely across the island. Dubbed Covid-Organics (CVO), the drink's effects have not been scientifically tested and the World Health Organization issued several warnings against its use. Also read | African countries importing Madagascar's anti-coronavirus drink disputed by WHO Rajoelina, however, has touted the tea as a "miracle" coronavirus remedy and snubbed all vaccines. The president asserted in March that he had no intention of getting the jab and was in no hurry to launch mass inoculation for his citizens. Madagascar has meanwhile been grappling to contain a spiralling second wave of coronavirus infections. 'Magic potion' Over the past month, health facilities in the capital Antananarivo have been overwhelmed by a rising number COVID-19 patients compounded by oxygen shortages. A weekend curfew was implemented three weeks ago in an attempt to curb the spread of infection in the city, forcing everyone off the streets from Friday evening to Monday. Antananarivo resident Heritiana Rasoamiaramanana told AFP via telephone the government's delay in securing vaccines had been a "grave mistake". "Since the beginning, the majority of Malagasy have doubted the effectiveness of CVO," said the 39-year-old business owner. "But the president has continued to insist... that we can trust this magic potion and do not need to get vaccinated," he exclaimed. "Shame on him!" Also read | Madagascar President launches 'herbal cure' for COVID-19 More than a third of Madagascar's coronavirus cases have been recorded in the past month alone. Till date, the country of 27 million inhabitants has registered 38,874 infections, including at least 716 deaths. Covax seeks to ensure poor countries have equitable access to vaccines to combat the pandemic. The facility is co-led by the World Health Organization, the Gavi vaccine alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Madagascar receives first coronavirus vaccines

African countries like Tanzania, Congo-Brazzaville,&nbsp;Guinea-Bissau and Senegal have started importing a herbal drink from Madagascar being dubbed as the cure for the coronavirus pandemic,&nbsp;even though the World Health Organization has remained firm on its stand that there are no proof of any definite cure yet.

Tanzania on Friday announced that&nbsp;it has received its first shipment of&nbsp;the herbal concoction&nbsp;known as&nbsp;Covid-Organics.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/madagascar-president-launches-herbal-cure-for-covid-19-296509">Madagascar President launches 'herbal cure' for COVID-19</a>

Meanwhile, scientists in Senegal have given green light to the anti-COVID-19 drug due to which it will soon be given to the patients infected by the virus.

President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, has been promoting the herbal tonic and said on national television that it will ''change the course of history.''

“The Covid-Organics will be distributed free of charge to our most vulnerable compatriots and sold at very low prices to others. All profits will be donated to IMRA to finance scientific research,” Rajoelina wrote on Twitter.

The tonic is produced from the artemisia plant, which is one of the sources of an ingredient used in a malaria treatment.

Artemisia is cultivated in Cameroon, Kenya,Ethiopia, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, all in high-altitude regions and regions with a&nbsp;pronounced&nbsp;cool period.

African countries like Tanzania, Congo-Brazzaville, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal have started importing a herbal drink from Madagascar being dubbed as the cure for the coronavirus pandemic, even though the World Health Organization has remained firm on its stand that there are no proof of any definite cure yet.

African countries like Tanzania, Congo-Brazzaville, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal have started importing a herbal drink from Madagascar being dubbed as the cure for the coronavirus pandemic, even though the World Health Organization has remained firm on its stand that there are no proof of any definite cure yet. Tanzania on Friday announced that it has received its first shipment of the herbal concoction known as Covid-Organics. Also read: Madagascar President launches 'herbal cure' for COVID-19 Meanwhile, scientists in Senegal have given green light to the anti-COVID-19 drug due to which it will soon be given to the patients infected by the virus. President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, has been promoting the herbal tonic and said on national television that it will ''change the course of history.'' “The Covid-Organics will be distributed free of charge to our most vulnerable compatriots and sold at very low prices to others. All profits will be donated to IMRA to finance scientific research,” Rajoelina wrote on Twitter. The tonic is produced from the artemisia plant, which is one of the sources of an ingredient used in a malaria treatment. Artemisia is cultivated in Cameroon, Kenya,Ethiopia, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, all in high-altitude regions and regions with a pronounced cool period.

African countries importing Madagascar's anti-coronavirus drink disputed by WHO

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