Use of New Media During the Turmoil in

Madagascar by the Foko digital communityPhoto credit:

Avylavitra

Background

• Origins of the crisis:o Land dealo Closing of TV stationo Poverty

• Argumentso coup or transfer of

power ?o Elected or corrupt

government ? • Casualties & Loss

o 150 casualties

• Human Rights Violations:

• Shootings of civilians (both sides)

• Repression of protests by force

• Vandalism, pillage and act of terror

• Repression of freedom of speech

Photo credit: Telegraph.co.uk

Available Information on the Crisis in the Media

• MSM coverage sporadic and lacking in depth

• Footage of evident human rights violations unseen or not stated as such in MSM.

• Local coverage is increasingly polarized.

• Information from internet users: o Scattered, mostly clustered in

specific regions especially the capital city.

o still too sparse to provide complete information

Instances of Violations of Human Rights

• Shootings of civilians, deaths: • Feb 7th April 26th

• Excessive Repression: o Intimidation, Restricted Freedom of

speech, & arbitrary arrest.

Instances of Violations of Human Rights

• Vandalism, Pillage and Arson:

Instances of Violations of Human Rights

Photo credit: thefirstpost.co.uk

Documenting the events geographically in real time with FrontlineSMS/Ushahidi platform

Use of Twitter

• Use of tag: #Madagascar • US department of State

(twitter.com/dipnote) used the tag and replies function to stop the rumor in the digital community that the US Embassy gave shelter to former president Ravalomanana

• twibes.com/Madagascar

Lesson Learned

• Pool of contributors, although growing, is still too restricted in quantity and geographically.

• Lack of contributions due to lack of awareness.

• Verifying authenticity of info is still an issue.

• Cost of internet use and texting barriers to participation.