Crossword Genius

Primarily modernized African democracy, although governor's a strongman called Andry Rajoelina? (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

madagascar

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'called andry rajoelina?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'primarily modernized african democracy although governor's a strongman' is the wordplay.
'primarily' suggests taking the first letters.
'strongman' becomes 'scar' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
The first letters of 'modernized african democracy although governors' is 'madag'.
'madag'+'a'+'scar'='MADAGASCAR'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for madagascar that I've seen before include "foreign location" , "country" , "Island republic in the Indian Ocean" , "Land" , "Island republic of Africa" .)

I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.
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