BuzzChurn

Ravalomanana, the previously removed leader of Madagascar, is to return to the island nation under the protection of the South African Development Community.  He expects to hold elecetions by the end of the year, and retains his right to power though claims to be willing to share.  This occurs as civil unrest continues, with protests recently again turning deadly.

A number of police were killed in north west Pakistan when a suicide bomber struck a convoy.  Some report a truck bomb, others a car bomb.  Some put the total dead at 20, others at 27.  Many blame increased attacks as a response to US missle strikes within Pakistan.

Thai soldiers fired live rounds on protesting groups, killing two.  Amid this, the Thai Prime Minister claimed to the BBC that the protests were under control.  Among other things, the unrest has caused the baht to fall.

Thai officials were forced to shut down a specific Asian oriented summit to respond to the global financial crisis when protesters supporting former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra broke through weak security and stormed the hotel.  A state of emergency was declared as leaders were evacuated.  In response, Shinawatra has called on followers to bring about a revolution.

Citizens rallying against the transitional government in Madagasgar were fired upon by troops.  Initial radio reports indicate that as many as 30 may have died.  The coup that occured in mid-March did so within an increasingly interesting milieu, as oil was recently discovered in national waters.

Two Kenyan human rights advocates were murdered yesterday. This comes after days of political tension, where the Mungiki gang protested openly. The Mungiki can be traced back to the Mau Mau rebellion.

Tensions between the government and the largely anti-Western Mungiki group have flared recently as political leaders have attempted to eradicate the gang through an often brutal program of repression. This all comes on the heels of Kenyan tribal violence that erupted in 2007-2008.

Increased violence, corruption and now the murder of two internationally known rights advocates put Kenya in a tenuous position.