Focus on Africa: What led to the downfall of Madagascar's president

Focus on Africa: What led to the downfall of Madagascar's president

From Africa Daily by BBC World Service

October 15, 2025 · 32 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the military coup in Madagascar, the challenges faced by a park ranger in Zambia, and the recognition of Ghana's kente cloth as a national heritage fabric.

An elite military unit says it has seized power in Madagascar from President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of youth-led protests. Where did it all go wrong for the entrepreneur and former DJ, who first became president in 2009 when he was just 34. Being a park ranger in Africa can be one of the most dangerous professions in the world. We hear from a ranger at Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, who, with a group of others, has picked up an international award for his work. And Ghana’s iconic kente cloth has been officially recognised and granted protected status as a national heritage fabric. Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Mark Wilberforce, Alfonso Daniels and Ryan Johnson Technical Producers: Chris Kouzaris and Sarah Kimberley Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

People in this episode

Host: Nyasha Michelle

Topics covered

  • political unrest
  • military coup
  • youth protests
  • wildlife conservation
  • cultural heritage
  • kente cloth

Keywords

  • Madagascar
  • Andry Rajoelina
  • military coup
  • youth protests
  • Zambia
  • South Luangwa National Park
  • kente cloth
  • cultural heritage

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC World Service

Books & works: kente cloth

Places: Madagascar, Zambia, South Luangwa National Park, Ghana

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