Twitter updates kept the internet abreast of the failed coup that started on the day of the referendum, November 17. Back in 2009, twitter already played an important role as a medium for real-time updates from citizens about the military takeover. Here is a quick reminder of the events in 2009 as read on twitter: 31/01/2009 Rajoelina proclaimed himself President of Madagascar 17/03/2009 Ravalomanana fled the country. He is now exiled in South Africa @tomavana starts the Twitter chronology: [ça peut durer] 31.01.2009 Rajoelina s’autoproclame ‘en charge’ de la République #Madagascar ▸45j plus tard, 17.03.2009 Ravalomanana part [fr] [it can last] 01.31.2009 Rajoelina proclaim himselfs ‘in charge’ of the Republic #Madagascar ▸45 days later, 17.03.2009 Ravalomanana leaves the country Since then, many people lost their jobs. Foreign mediators have tried to point out the issue, trying to work out an agreement between them (Zafy Albert,Rajoelina, Ratsiraka, Ravalomanana). The mutual hatreds among Rajoelina and the three former presidents have prevented any real solution and plunged the nation into a deep crisis … deals have been announced, and agreements have been broken down. @VOAAfrica Ex-Madagascar PM Calls for Dialogue to Resolve Crisis Tired of this long crisis, last Wednesday, Novembre 17th 2010, was supposed to be a time for ushering in a new constitution. @roulletteplayer: During an intervention on the #Madagascar national channels, Rajoelina urge the people to go vote tomorrow #Referendum @dadamanga Ready for the vote? :) http://fb.me/uKlGhr0e @akamasoa: #Madagascar will vote in a long-awaited referendum on a new #constitution on Wednesday@Tantely_Ramaka: #Madagascar répondre par OUI ou par NON. Mais c’est quoi déjà la question? [fr] @akamasoa: #Madagascar will vote in a long-awaited referendum on a new #constitution on Wednesday@Tantely_Ramaka: #Madagascar answer by YES or NO. But what was the question again? Tomavana asks: @tomavana 1958 1972 1975 1992 1995 1998 2007 puis 2010, le #referendum du jour sera le 8e de #Madagascarhttp://bit.ly/amWDh7 re: http://ff.im/tS56G @tomavana 1958 1972 1975 1992 1995 1998 2007 then 2010, the #referendum of the day will be the 8th of #Madagascarhttp://bit.ly/amWDh7 re: http://ff.im/tS56G About 8 million Malagasy were asked to vote. The opposition had called for a boycott of the voting, telling it as a way for Rajoelina to retain power a little bit longer. @AngloMalagasy: Coup attempt ‘unsurprising as referendum is last chance 2challenge Rajoelina’s right 2power’ http://da2.me/5N Streets in Antananarivo remained calm into the evening, but at Ivato , Lt Col. Charles Andrianasoavina with a group of dissident Malagasy soldiers declared that a military comittee “Military Committee for the People's Salvation” had taken power of Madagascar, and that “From now on, all institutions are suspended and a military committee is going to run the country.” As the coup attempt lasted 3 days, people living in the surroundings were scared, waiting for what will happen next. There was almost no source of information. @saveoursmile images des mutins de coup d’état à #madagascar via tvplus sur http://bit.ly/bfRbhY @saveoursmile pictures of the coup attempt mutinies in #madagascar via tvplus at http://bit.ly/bfRbhY @chdsandeep Madagascar: Appeal to the mutiny on the constitutional referendum: A group of officers said… http://goo.gl/fb/AFIdv @salivates#sp Coup Attempt by Military Is Reported in Madagascar: Military officers in Madagascar, including some who had… @tomavana 2y of constant rumors of coups & even occasional attempt RT @malagasy RT @Twtimes Coup Attempt Reported in #Madagascarhttp://nyti.ms/chTs1m @CHALCHIHUITES Rebel troops claim Madagascar government suspended (AFP) The airport is near barracks (BANI – Base Aero-Navale d’Ivato) occupied by rebels. Riot police fired teargas to disperse anti-government protesters at a burning barricade near the military camp but they did not enter the camp. Photos taken by Jentilisa: @jentilisa #madagascar sary hafa indray! http://jentilisa.blaogy.com/post/122/7556 Rajoelina said that “the government will assume its responsibilities and consequently take action”.