Use of New Media During the Turmoil in Madagascar by the Foko digital community Photo credit: Avylavitra
Dec 05, 2014
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.