In Madagascar, despite the absence of legal prohibitions against homosexuality, societal norms render it largely unacceptable, compelling many LGBT individuals to conceal their sexual orientation to maintain employment and live peacefully. This has led to the creation of unique networks, body language, and dialects among the LGBT community to navigate their environment.

Torrential rains in northwest Madagascar have caused severe flooding, leaving at least 32 dead, over 120,000 affected, and 15,000 displaced. The government has declared a national disaster and mobilized resources to aid victims. Residents of Marovoay, a city of 20,000, are particularly hard-hit, with many losing homes, food supplies, and livelihoods. The flooding is attributed to the increasing intensity of tropical storms due to global warming. President Andry Rajoelina has promised food, medical care, and other support to the affected areas.

Russian operatives, approved by President Vladimir Putin and coordinated by Yevgeny Prigozhin, engaged in election interference in Madagascar, employing tactics such as disinformation campaigns, bribery, and supporting spoiler candidates. Despite initial setbacks and corruption, they successfully shifted their support to the eventual winner, Andry Rajoelina, securing control over a chromium mining operation. The operation mirrored Russia's broader strategy of leveraging political influence in Africa for material gain, highlighting the Kremlin's ongoing efforts to expand its geopolitical clout.

On International Mother Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, the interdependence between humans, other living species, and the planet is highlighted. In 2021, Madagascar, one of the countries most affected by deforestation, saw about fifteen farmers turn to beekeeping as an alternative to woodcutting. Beekeeping is beginning to be seen as a sustainable solution to deforestation in the country.

On Friday, July 29, thirty people were burned alive and two others injured during an armed attack by a dozen assailants in the village of Ambolotarakely, located north of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. The police have so far shot one suspected assailant and arrested five others. Rural banditry has escalated into deadly conflict among villagers over the past several years.

Madagascar has been devastated by five natural disasters in less than two months, including two major cyclones, resulting in over 200 deaths and leaving 460,000 people without shelter. The eastern city of Mananjary has been nearly destroyed, with 35,000 residents struggling to survive without basic necessities. International aid agencies are providing crucial support to the affected population.

In the Sambirano Valley of northwestern Madagascar, the highly reputed Criollo cocoa beans are cultivated, becoming the main income source for 30,000 Malagasy farmers. These beans, known for their unique acidic taste, are favored by master chocolatiers globally and have earned numerous international awards. Despite Madagascar's chocolate representing less than 1% of global production, its distinctive flavors have positioned it at the pinnacle of the high-end market.

Southern Madagascar is experiencing a severe famine, with over a million people in need of food across a region the size of Virginia. Years of drought and sandstorms, exacerbated by climate change, have devastated agriculture. The World Food Programme has identified 14,000 people at level five of food insecurity, meaning they have nothing left to eat. Despite aid efforts and government initiatives, the situation remains critical, with many resorting to eating roots, cactuses, and even leather to survive. The UN requires $78.6 million for food aid, but the current assistance is insufficient. The government has announced major projects to address the crisis, which has been worsened by factors such as population growth and natural resource depletion.

In Madagascar, a severe famine has gripped the southern region, exacerbated by unprecedented droughts linked to global climate change. The World Food Programme reports that 1.5 million people urgently need food aid. Despite the dire situation, the Malagasy government has not declared a state of emergency. The article highlights the complex causes of the crisis, including crime, corruption, and poverty, and describes the harrowing conditions in the region of Anosy. Aid efforts, particularly the distribution of Plumpy'Doz, bring temporary relief and joy to the affected children.

Madagascar is experiencing a severe health crisis due to the South African variant of Covid-19, with approximately 11,500 cases and 200 deaths per month. The situation is exacerbated by shortages of oxygen, lack of medications, and overwhelmed hospitals. Despite the government's downplaying of the crisis, the first vaccines are expected to arrive by the end of the week.