Regional Overview
Madagascar:
Following a summit between Madagascar's president and 4 of his predecessors, who met
for the first time in a bid to restore political stability on 19 December, current President
Hery Rajaonarimampianina has begun to put some of the agreements into action. Five
political prisoners have been released and Madagascar's former president, Marc Ravalomanana,
has been moved to house arrest in the capital Antananarivo. Various sources of
social tension also exist in the country (violent protests against power-cuts, students’
movement at the University etc.)
According to the Ministry of Health, the plague situation in Madagascar is under control,
although some cases may still be reported in the coming months. The plague season will
continue until April 2015. There have been a total of 194 cases and 51 deaths since
1 Aug 2014.
Mozambique:
Heavy rains struck the port city of Nacala on 27 Dec 2014. At least 9 people died due to
lightning and the collapse of a warehouse wall onto adjacent houses. The storm also
swept away over 60 houses, mostly built of weak materials, and damaged roads.
The Constitutional Council is expected to undertake the validation of the 15 October
general election results on Tuesday 30 Dec 2014. The ruling FRELIMO Party has warned
that it will not allow the former rebel movement RENAMO or any other political formation
to cause disturbances during the validation and proclamation of the results. As in previous
Mozambique elections, RENAMO has denounced the results as “fraudulent” and
Dhlakama has threatened to set up a government of his own if FRELIMO will not agree to
go into coalition with RENAMO.
Zambia:
A heavy downpour in Mazabuka town earlier this month displaced more than 120 families
after their houses were damaged. Heavy rains in Choma also destroyed several houses
at a police camp, classroom blocks and shops in the town centre.
Zambians are scheduled to vote next month in Jan 2015 to choose a new leader following
the death of President Michael Sata in October 2014.
