Grande Comore, tourism for explorers

The Comoros remain relatively undiscovered, which is both exciting and frustrating for travellers. You’ll feel like a trailblazer wherever you go and will be genuinely welcome. On the other hand, the tourism industry is still in its infancy, and Comorian timekeeping is as relaxed as the atmosphere. Read the full story here. Published in The National on 22 November 2013. Continue reading Grande Comore, tourism for explorers

The untold story of illegal migration in the Comoros

The news have recently been full of reports of African migrants dying in the Mediterranean or the Saharan on their way to Europe. But for the past 20 years, a similar tragedy has been unfolding thousands of miles away in the Indian Ocean, where desperate migrants from the Comoros have tried to make their way to the French island of Mayotte. You can listen to … Continue reading The untold story of illegal migration in the Comoros

Madagascar elections: they happened, and without incident

The first round of the elections on 25 October was a momentous occasion: that they happened at all is remarkable, after so many false starts. That they happened without incident was more than most people hoped for. Here’s to hoping they can repeat the feat for the second round on 20 December. Read the full story here. Published on African Arguments, 30 October 2013. Continue reading Madagascar elections: they happened, and without incident

Comoros: Tropical charm off the beaten path

You may struggle to place the country on a map (fyi in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique) but this is precisely why travellers love the Comoros. They have signature Indian Ocean charm, without the high end frills of other tropical islands. Read the full story here. Published on lonelyplanet.com, 18 October 2013. Continue reading Comoros: Tropical charm off the beaten path

Education: collateral damage of Madagascar’s politics

The political crisis in Madagascar has had a devastating impact on the education system: money for schools and teachers has dried up and parents have struggled to pay fees. Elections on 25 October could herald a new chapter. You can listen to the story here (starts nearly 12 min in). The piece aired on the BBC’s From Our Own Correspondent on Radio 4 on 17 … Continue reading Education: collateral damage of Madagascar’s politics