Use of New Media During the Turmoil in Madagascar by the Foko digital community Photo credit: Avylavitra

Background Origins of the crisis: Land deal Closing of TV station Poverty Arguments coup or transfer of power ? Elected or corrupt government ? Casualties & Loss 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

Origins of the crisis:

Land deal

Closing of TV station

Poverty

Arguments

coup or transfer of power ?

Elected or corrupt government ?

Casualties & Loss

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

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: Scattered, mostly clustered in specific regions especially the capital city. still too sparse to provide complete information

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:

Scattered, mostly clustered in specific regions especially the capital city.

still too sparse to provide complete information

Instances of Violations of Human Rights Shootings of civilians, deaths: Feb 7 th April 26th

Shootings of civilians, deaths:

Feb 7 th April 26th

Excessive Repression: Intimidation, Restricted Freedom of speech, & arbitrary arrest. Instances of Violations of Human Rights

Excessive Repression:

Intimidation, Restricted Freedom of speech, & arbitrary arrest.

Vandalism, Pillage and Arson: Instances of Violations of Human Rights Photo credit: thefirstpost.co.uk

Vandalism, Pillage and Arson:

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

A digital community crowd sourcing spread out across the country

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

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.

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.