Left waiting at the altar in Madagascar

The country’s efforts to kickstart offshore exploration have hit a snag

The Madagascar licensing round was launched and ready to roll, but then one partner went missing. New president Andry Rajoelina, sworn into office in January, decided he wanted to have another look at a process drawn up under his predecessor and has suspended it until further notice. A statement issued on behalf of Madagascar's state hydrocarbons firm Omnis on 15 February gave no indication of when, or if the process would resume. "Omnis in partnership with TGS and BGP, regret to inform you that following the decision from the newly elected government, the 2018/2019 Madagascar Licensing Round involving 44 blocks in the Morondava basin is suspended until further notification," it said. The co