AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - Long wave of a cyclone in March now has Madagascar in grip of hunger. Exasperation triggers bomb explosion as protest.

Antananarivo (Fides)- “People are literally starving and in this situation acts of violence in protest can be an extreme and violent sign of widespread desperation” said Father Leonardo, head of the Salesian House in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar where there were attacks two days ago.
The explosions were in Toamasina (also known as Tamatave) the second largest city. Unidentified persons threw three hand grenades at the home of the Provincial governor and a warehouse of an industry owned by the President of Madagascar Marc Ravalomanana. The explosions caused only material damage.
Police say the acts were a warning because only mild explosives were used.
“The cost of living increases daily, because of the rise in prices of rice, the basic local food, and fuel” Father Leonardo told Fides. The price of rice has almost doubled in the past week. From 4,500 Malagasy Francs (66 cents of a dollar) per kilo it has risen to 6,500 Malagasy Francs. Price increases are due to higher cost of transport and damaged caused by a cyclone in March this year (see Fides 12 March 2004). There is not enough rice to feed everyone, so prices are bound to rise even higher. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 25/11/2004 righe 27 parole 258)