Midi Madagasikara - Madagascar

“Le bruit des armes”

“The sound of weapons”

Madagascan paper Midi Madagasikara talks of a “rough arm-wrestle” for power in the Indian Ocean island after the opposition stormed one of the country’s presidential palaces. The article questions whether President Marc Ravalomanana is wise to call a referendum as this was how France’s General Charles de Gaulle fell from power in 1969.

Express de Madagascar - Madagascar

“Le Président met son mandate en jeu”

”The President leaves his mandate hanging in the balance”

The Express de Madagascar focuses on Ravalomanana’s referendum hopes, pointing out that despite all the talk, no date has yet been set for a vote. In the meantime the opposition, led by former Antananarivo mayor Andry Rajoelina, says it has a mandate to lead a transitional government.

Libération – France

“’TGV’, homme pressé »

“High-speed train, man in a rush”

Libération features a short portrait of 34-year-old opposition leader Rajoelina, describing him as lacking in political experience, but a man with big ambitions and a great communicator. His nickname “TGV” refers to France’s high speed train network. Rojoelina was originally called this because the initials TGV stood for the political group he created,Tanora Gasy Vonona. Now people say it suits him, as he has strong ambitions to advance quickly in his political career.

Le Figaro – France

“Premier voyage de Benoît XVI en Afrique”

“Pope Benedict XVI’s first trip to Africa”

A photograph in Le Figaro shows the silhouettes of three Africans facing a huge picture of Pope Benedict XVI, who is due to make his first official visit to Africa. His trip begins in Cameroon before taking him onto Angola.

Cameroon Tribune - Cameroon

“Vivment le Pape”

“High anticipation over the Pope’s visit”

The Cameroon Tribune describes how people cannot wait for the arrival of the Pope. An article in the paper reveals the enthusiasm over his visit and praises the pontiff for choosing to enter Africa through the “great door” of Cameroon.

Le Messager - Cameroon

”Nsimalen fait peau neuve pour Benoit XVI”

”Nsimalen’s makeover for Benedict XVI”

According to Le Messager the airport in Cameroon’s capital city of Yaoundé has been transformed for the arrival of the Pope. Painting and redecorating is underway, the grass outside has been cut and armed guards and security forces have taken up position.

Times Online – United Kingdom

“Irish pub: the Disneyland of the Dipsomaniac”

On St. Patrick’s Day, Eamonn Forde of Times Online writes how he is ashamed of his homeland because of the celebrations some people hold. In an attacking opinion piece he explains the day used to be a celebration of the arrival of the Catholic faith in the country, but it has now been “hijacked” by people who want to get drunk. The columnist says there is not a single pub in Ireland remotely like the so-called “Irish pubs” found elsewhere.