FRANCE

Local development through culture By way of background, since its creation in 2013, the Waka-Waka Festival, an international socio-cultural event, has travelled to various continents, including Côte d'Ivoire, Copenhagen and, more recently, Madagascar, where it made its debut in 2022. This year, the event is focusing on a large-scale project such as the construction of a modern maternity hospital in Sambava. This initiative aims to meet the essential needs of the SAVA region, by providing a healthcare infrastructure adapted to international standards. Florent Shelby, the festival's initiator, underlined the importance of this objective at this meeting with the press. "The slogan of the Waka-Waka Festival is ‘Together we will be stronger’. We firmly believe that music and culture can serve as a springboard for meaningful charitable work. This year, our aim is to renovate and build a maternity hospital that will be able to welcome foreign doctors and improve health conditions throughout the region", he emphasised.&nbsp;This year, the socio-cultural meeting centre is benefiting from the crucial support of Orange Madagascar, one of the major players in the cultural and social sector in Madagascar. This collaboration is essential to finance not only the construction, but also the technical equipment needed for the maternity unit. Shelby Production and the Sambava town council will also be providing the operating budget for this new facility. On the other hand, Tahiana Razanamahefa, manager of the Hôtel Havana Resort, one of the event's partners, expresses her enthusiasm: "This event is not only a lever for the development of tourism in the SAVA region, but also an important support for the cultural sector. The maternity hospital, which has not been renovated for decades, is urgently needed, and we are delighted to be collaborating on this vital project," she said.&nbsp; Artists on the bill&nbsp; On the face of it, the Waka-Waka Festival is more than just a social event. It is also a major cultural event celebrating music and the arts. During the four days of festivities, Sambava will vibrate to the rhythm of high-level concerts featuring local artists such as Tence Mena, Jaojoby, and Big MJ, as well as international talent. The festivities will also include a carnival, a mini marathon, a basketball tournament and the Miss Waka-Waka competition, the final of which will be held in Sambava. According to Joelinirina Nomenasoa Rarivojaona, Director General of the Office Malgache des Droits d'Auteur (OMDA), "We are working closely with this event because our mission is to protect copyright. By definition, OMDA is responsible for managing copyright in literary and artistic works in Madagascar, while working in partnership with our African and European counterparts in this field. This artistic event, organised by Shelby Production, fits in perfectly with our role as an organisation for the protection and management of creators' rights. We also support the rights of the international artists who will be performing at the festival. We're delighted to be working with them and to be able to support this objective. It's undeniable that the cultural sector plays a key role in supporting others." All in all, the Waka-Waka Festival 2024 promises to be a flagship event combining culture, music and social action. By aiming to build a modern maternity hospital for the SAVA region, it illustrates how cultural initiatives can have a direct and positive impact on local communities. With a rich programme of festivities and a strong commitment to community well-being, the event continues to demonstrate its crucial role in socio-cultural development in this part of the island. Lucas RahajaniainaIndependent Reporter16th August 2024Antananarivo, Madagascar.&nbsp;Thanks to our collaborators.&nbsp; Photo: Andry Jacques Bruel/ Independent Reporter-IR/ Madagascar/2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Waka-Waka Festival is back with a bang for its third edition, from 5 to 8 December 2024, with a stated ambition including the construction of a maternity hospital to international standards in Sambava. The announcement was made at a press conference on 16 August 2024 at the Orange Digital Center headquarters in Soarano, in the presence of the organizers, Shelby Production and a number of partners.

 Waka-Waka Festival in Sambava, A third edition in the service of the local community

An evolving oral heritage Madagascar is renowned for its ancestral oral tradition, in which the spoken word serves as a vehicle for passing on knowledge, traditions and legends. Traditional ceremonies such as *famadihana* (return of the ancestors) or marriage proposals are occasions where speeches play a central role in preserving community values. However, with the arrival of modernity and the influence of the media, Malagasy public speaking has undergone a transformation. Today, interest in public speaking is growing, thanks to conferences, debates and competitions. Younger generations, through educational establishments and vocational training courses, are now embracing contemporary public speaking techniques. Like a rising star on the international stage. Rakitra Sederantsoa Andrianasoloniaina is a case in point. At the age of 20, Rakitra brilliantly qualified for the final of the second edition of the Eloquentia international public speaking championship, scheduled for 2025. During the semi-final on 30 August at the Cité internationale de la langue française in Paris, he captivated the audience with a powerful speech on the theme “Can we get used to anything?” Opening his speech with the word “Formidable” and a strong intonation, he won over the judges and the audience. The Fédération des Clubs d'Art Oratoire (FCO): a pillar of success An extraordinary career. Rakitra shared his enthusiasm in a chat on Messenger: “I've taken part in various public speaking competitions, but the Eloquentia competition was always my dream, because it's recognized as the most prestigious in the world. That's why I decided to take part”. Rakitra's career has been marked by a number of notable successes, including victory at the American Corner Speech Contest 2023, the Université Catholique de Madagascar's Olympiade des orateurs 2023, and the Mock Trial organized by the public speaking and debate club at the Faculty of Law and Political Science. Rakitra added: “This competition has been a huge challenge, giving me the opportunity to discover the talents of other young people and their commitment. I also had the chance to take part in the quarter-finals by videoconference”. For him, the aim was to test his skills, demonstrate that Madagascar can excel at this level and proudly represent his country. In doing so, he is proving that public speaking is deeply rooted in Malagasy traditions and inspires young people, even the timidest. Rakitra's success is also due to the efforts of the Fédération des Clubs d'Art Oratoire (FCO), founded by Tambiniaina David, a renowned public speaker and former national champion. This federation, which supports young people in international competitions, plays a crucial role in selecting Malagasy representatives for prestigious events such as the Debate in The Hague and Eloquentia. Towards more professional public speaking According to Tambiniaina David during a telephone discussion: “We created this federation to help young people take part in international competitions. We started in Antananarivo, but our aim is to extend our support to other universities in all regions of Madagascar. We select representatives for the major competitions, while leaving aside those organized by the AUF”.&nbsp;He adds: “In the past, Malagasy speakers were limited to the Indian Ocean Champion, which was our only reference. Today, thanks to our young talent, we're aiming for world-class status. For example, last year we had ten students who took part in international competitions, but we all failed to reach the semi-finals. This year, we became world champions in the Hague Debate thanks to the team from the Catholic University of Madagascar, which is also first in the world ranking of public speaking clubs. We also have Rakitra, who has been selected for the Eloquentia final”. In short, public speaking, which is captivating for its leadership development in young people, requires courage and mastery. However, as Tambiniaina David points out, the main challenge remains the separation between the academic and professional worlds: “I was national champion in the academic field, but I've encountered difficulties in the professional world. Speaking skills are crucial, but there's a big difference between the academic world and the professional world. My wish is to see public speaking developed further at university and professional level, so that young people no longer encounter difficulties on the job market. Academic training should gradually become more professional.” For the future, the FCO plans to extend its activities to the whole of Madagascar, offering more opportunities for young talent across the country. This initiative not only marks a revival of public speaking in Madagascar, but also reveals its growing potential on the international stage.&nbsp;Lucas RahajaniainaIndependent Reporter 30 August 2024 Antananarivo, Madagascar. Thanks to our contributors Photo courtesy of Rakitra Sederantsoa/ Independent Reporter-IR/ Madagascar/2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rakitra Sederantsoa Andrianasoloniaina's journey to the Eloquentia Championship reveals an age-old tradition that has been brought to the world stage. In Madagascar, the art of public speaking, essential for developing communication and persuasion, is undergoing a fascinating renaissance. This discipline, long on the back burner, is now becoming an increasingly high-profile subject, illustrating a remarkable transition between cultural heritage and modern innovation.

Public speaking in Madagascar, a renaissance with international resonance

Shyn opens the ball Upon arriving on stage at 6:30 p.m., accompanied by his DJ and dancers, Franglish said: "Madagascar, finally we meet again!" He has followed with his unmissable hits, such as “Bad Boy”, “Comme ça” and “Béton”. The youth present reacted fervently, singing the top titles of the singer such as “Toxic” and “Benzo”. In the process, Franglish’s French-Malagasy dancer Yvana captivated the audience with a careful choreography, proudly displaying her Malagasy origins. Smartphones were ubiquitous, allowing spectators to capture the highlights of the concert and share this experience on social networks. Initially, the first part was to be taken care of by Denise, but her absence for health reasons led Shyn to take over. The latter, dressed in black and wearing traditional “Dokodoko” style, opened the dance with his title “Fitiavagna Mafoaka”, before making the audience dance to catchy rhythms like “Ho avy” and “Dents Klent’s”, among others. Jania Blast'in’s dance group also showed its talent as a choreographer on this popular scene of the capital. Young fans However, the evening was marked by an unforeseen event including a power cut that may have delayed Franglish’s entry for more than an hour. Despite this setback, the atmosphere has not weakened, thanks to DJ Natoo who kept the audience in suspense with catchy mixes. In addition, the majority of spectators were college and high school students, testifying to the appeal of Franglish for Malagasy youth. This concert, despite the challenges encountered, created an authentic connection between the artist and his audience, making this evening that will remain in memories. Therefore, Franglish has proved that music has the power to unite and transcend obstacles. Thus, this event was a real challenge for the organizers, because in Madagascar only young people were familiar with the artist, mainly thanks to TikTok and various social networks. &nbsp;Lucas RahajaniainaIndependent ReporterSeptember 23, 2024Thanks to our collaborators Photo: Andry Jacques Bruel/ Independent Reporter-IR/Madagascar/2024

Between energy and unexpected, the public is still demanding it. On Sunday, September 22, the French singer, rapper and dancer, Franglish performed his first concert in Antananarivo, attracting a young audience to the Palace of Sports and Culture of Mahamasina. Although the room was half full, the atmosphere quickly transcended the walls of the room. 

Palais des Sports et de la  Culture ,  Franglish meets his fans of the capital

A small but happy crowd As soon as the doors opened at 3pm, the excitement was palpable. The long queues, even at 7.30pm, bore witness to the public's enthusiasm. The evening began with DJ Natoo taking to the stage, attracting a varied audience from youngsters to families. However, the smaller-than-expected audience did raise some questions. The price of tickets and the late hour may have limited access for some spectators. Before the headliners arrived, the stage was given over to young local talent. Three artists, selected from the Show Tremplin Héritage competition organized by international organizers Nas Production, opened the evening, including Bab's, a locally-renowned rapper, Ismaël, a talent who revealed himself on social networks, and Yvanniat, daughter of the late singer Tah Tence. Their performances prepared the audience for the main event. Nas Production, founded by Nasser Goulamhoussen, a Malagasy active in international showbiz while retaining his roots, is a booking and event production agency. It produces, exports and broadcasts contemporary music shows around the world. The agency has transformed the western part of the stadium into a luminous space, demonstrating the professionalism needed to welcome these two international stars. The agency has already brought these French-speaking artists to Madagascar before.&nbsp;Another Malagasy talent was also revealed during the show, namely the musician, guitarist, pianist, composer and arranger Mickaël Mita Joseph. He has put Madagascar on the international map. Based in Paris for over six years now, he has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Tayc, Yohan Trade Union, Beverly, RH, Claudy Siar, Jimmy Sissoko, NKA, Mika and Davis, Shyn, Denise and Rim-Ka. So, at Dadju and Tayc's ‘Héritage’ concert, he was their pianist.&nbsp; A lover's duo At 9.30pm, the eagerly-awaited duo made their entrance in an intoxicating atmosphere. Their first songs, such as “Apprends-moi”, “Tout essayé” and “Contrât”, instantly captivated the audience. Their voices resonated beyond expectations, transporting the audience into a moment of communion. Tayc quickly engaged the audience by declaring on stage: “Tonight, let’s forget all our worries, today we're going to party and sing with you”, reinforcing the festive atmosphere. Tayc's dance performances also added a festive dimension to the show.&nbsp;The concert lasted an hour and a half, alternating between Tayc and Dadju. The two artists performed a succession of hits, including “Jaloux”, “Bob Marley” and “Je dis oui”, keeping the audience enthralled right to the end. At the same time, the evening showcased Malagasy influencers, who helped to promote the event. Their presence on stage also strengthened the bond between the artists and the audience. Finally, the album's promotional concert, entitled “Héritage”, not only celebrated the music of Dadju and Tayc, but also provided a showcase for Malagasy talent, while revealing the accessibility challenges faced by some fans. The evening proved that Madagascar is a thriving music scene, ready to host such international events.&nbsp;Lucas RahajaniainaIndependent Reporter12 October 2024Antananarivo, MadagascarThanks to our collaborators Photo : Andry Jacques Bruel/ Independent Reporter-IR/Madagascar/2024

A landmark show highlighting young Malagasy talent. On the evening of Friday 11 October, the Barea Mahamasina stadium in Antananarivo, Madagascar vibrated to the rhythm of the "Héritage" concert, bringing together thousands of fans for an outstanding evening with French artists Dadju and Tayc. The show, which has already conquered 32 countries, confirmed the international rise of these two French-speaking stars.

Héritage’ album tour , Dadju and Tayc set the Barea Mahamasina stadium alight

Independent Reporter: You have a family name that is well known in Malagasy politics. Is it a name that carries weight or not? And why the town hall?&nbsp;&nbsp;Serge Vital: It's an ambition I've had in mind for a long time. For me, it's a kind of mission, a mission more than a vocation.&nbsp;Listen, it's more than just a name. We're going to talk more about projects and objectives. In other words, the development of the town of Tuléar.&nbsp;I must admit that this name has a past, due to a grandfather called Vital Ambroise who was a civil administrator and deputy of the commune of Tuléar, and an uncle who was a former prime minister and ambassador of Madagascar to Mauritius. As a result, the name already has a political past, but I have another way of looking at things, another vision beyond what they have already achieved.&nbsp;I intend to engrave something and put my stamp on it. &nbsp;I.R. Is it fair to say that it was something more than your family name that motivated you to run? And how has this candidacy been received by the people of Tuléar?&nbsp;&nbsp;S.V : &nbsp;It's not a clicking feeling, because that is something unforeseen that came later.&nbsp;As far as I'm concerned, it's a long-standing project, it's a long-standing ambition to make a contribution to the edifice, a new way of doing politics and development.&nbsp;Incidentally, my uncle has a political party, but I've chosen to go it alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;You should know, first of all, that I have no problems in Tuléar and I think that the majority of Tuléarois are delighted with my candidacy.&nbsp;They believe in me and my plans, as has been proven by my social actions over the past five years. It's no longer a surprise, but a matter of continuity. Community life is limited in terms of action. We want the whole town to benefit, without exception. So we're obliged to play politics. As I said, it's not a politician's policy, not a policy of ritual practice, but a development policy that has been prepared with projects and programmes adapted to each of the districts. &nbsp;I.R.: What are these projects? And what are your political ambitions? &nbsp;S.V.: I'm not going to tell you everything at the moment, but I have twelve main points, but the rest will become clear in the meantime. I have nothing to hide. The priority is going to be based on public safety, social action, education and tax problems at the town hall level. The problems have been identified and we already have short-, medium- and long-term solutions in place.&nbsp;And to answer your other question, it's like any new person entering politics, you have a dream in your head, but you mustn't be too ambitious either. &nbsp;I.R.: You talk about social action and public safety, but it's pretty vague. Can you give an example that makes the difference? Do you have partners to finance your campaign, the voluntary sector, from which you draw your resources?&nbsp;S.V: As a former soldier, I'm very comfortable in the field of security.&nbsp;I'm proposing to restructure the municipal police force. A different way of using them from what we're used to. We need to strengthen their skills, for example, provide logistical support for their equipment, and ensure that the municipal police work in conjunction with the national police. I'm also going to set up neighbourhood police forces that will be in contact with the population of the neighbourhood where they will be in charge.&nbsp;In terms of partners, it could be a mix of public and private. I've been working in the social sector since 2015, that's ten years. Today, the partners are more serious and more objective, particularly in education. Today, we have a potential partnership, even a potential partnership in higher education. My recent trip abroad, for example, was to look for partners, not necessarily financial partners, but parallel partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;We're talking about decentralised local authorities, in particular. We need to have this kind of partnership without waiting for central government, hence the definition of a real CDT. &nbsp;I.R.: What would be the top priority for Tuléar? &nbsp;S.V: Security and energy.&nbsp;Energy can affect every social class, from the smallest to the largest. 60% of the population needs and lives off energy.&nbsp;A permanent need.&nbsp;We have a project on energy, on renewable energies, if you like. We need to put it in place because we have the sun 360 days out of 360 in Tuléar. I don't see why we still don't have a solar park to alleviate the problem of load shedding. Apart from safety and public lighting, we need to talk about energy. This is vital, because it's not just people from the lower social classes who need it, but also investors. The first criterion for investors to carry out a project is energy. And we've been spoilt by nature, so we need to exploit it. &nbsp;I.R.: What would be the solution for these young people who are wandering around a bit?&nbsp;S.V.: These young people are being neglected. The reality is that everyone migrates to the capital to continue their education or for professional reasons.&nbsp;It's normal because we don't have any educational structures or vocational centres because no one wants to go into general education, even in developed countries. What we don't have in Tuléar is a vocational training centre and a campaign to raise awareness of the whys and wherefores of education.&nbsp;There are people who have abandoned their education for two or three years because for them, the outcome is unclear, especially in terms of resources. At the moment, in the programme that is going to be presented publicly, where there will be details, we are going to concentrate on education and educational construction. Young people will have to choose from a number of options, and we need to give them plenty of choice and make their future goals a priority. We have all these different solutions to give young people confidence.&nbsp;Young people are no longer confident because they have never been given the opportunity.&nbsp;&nbsp;I have 90% of young people working with me, and if it works, it's mainly thanks to these young people. We took up the challenge and here we are today. We started out with a small project that evolved, and now we're working on the community project.&nbsp;&nbsp;I.R.: Do you have any plans to resolve the conflicts between pedicab drivers? &nbsp;S.V: One of the problems I've noticed is that there are too many cycle-rickshaws. Which goes back to our initial problem, the lack of jobs. We don't have any harvesting or processing plants.&nbsp;If there is a free trade zone in Tuléar, the number of cyclo-pousses will systematically decrease. I can't be selfish if, once I'm elected, I'm going to do away with the cyclos pousses, because they are an integral part of the population of Tuléar, whether we like it or not. In the current situation, for anyone who knows the situation in the town, people work because they need to.&nbsp;It's the only job that's more or less accessible, because they're not all illiterate. The proof that awakened my sense of revolt was seeing university students riding rickshaws. So we're back to the same subject: factories, investors, education, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;I.R.: What would you say is your greatest asset?&nbsp;&nbsp;S.V: Youth, strength, vision, closeness and accessibility to the people and an understanding of the situation through experience, but above all a thirst for development. And I'll go all the way. &nbsp;Govina DAMY Independent Reporter 19 October Madagascar Antananarivo Madagascar Thanks to Mr Serge Vital&nbsp;Photo : Serge Vital

Having returned to Madagascar a year ago, and presenting himself as an entrepreneur, Serge Vital, a former military officer, wants to take his town, Tuléar, back into his own hands after living in France for eighteen years. Ready to serve his country, this young politician says he wants to bring about change for a better future for the young people of Tuléar. 



Serge Vital: "I have a thirst for development and I'm going all the way!""

Meet in Paris Indeed, the National Slam, one of the most emblematic poetry festivals in Madagascar, returns for its 15th edition, from November 28 to December 7, 2024, in Antsirabe and Antananarivo. This edition promises to be particularly dynamic, with major additions to the program, new prestigious guests and a willingness to open up to young people. The festival takes place in two distinct phases: from 28 November to 3 December in Antsirabe, then from 4 to 7 December in Antananarivo. This year, 24 slameurs from various regions of Madagascar (Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Sambava, Toamasina and Tolagnaro) will participate in intense competitions. The big winner will have the honor of representing Madagascar at the World Slam-Poetry Cup in Paris in 2025. During the press conference on 21 November at the Institut Français de Madagascar in Analakely, Misstik Rajoelison, head of Madagaslam, unveiled the many innovations of this edition. Among the great moments not to be missed, the presence for the first time in Madagascar of Marc K. Smith, founder of the slam-poetry movement, who will host a show in English with Malagasy slameurs at Kudeta Anosy on December 4, 2024. Rouda, a French poet and slameur who is also invited, will perform at the Institut Français d'Antananarivo (IFM) on 6 December before presenting his novel “Les mots nus” on 7 December, a work that won him the prize of the first novel festival in Chambéry in 2024. Artists from the Indian Ocean will also enrich this 15th edition. On November 29, 2024, Nawyia of the Comoros and Lafleur Malade of Mauritius will offer a show at the Alliance Française d'Antsirabe. German poetry will be celebrated with the performance of Rebecca Heims at CGM Analakely on 5 December, alongside Malagasy rapper Netyk. Welcome to Slam Media Indeed, this cultural diversity promises rich and varied artistic exchanges. One of the major innovations in this edition is the introduction of Slam Media, a digital program for children and youth. This competition allows participants to submit video performances, viewed and rated by a committee. Bini, who is responsible for international programming, explains that the initiative aims to strengthen local and international participation. “This digital format opens up new possibilities, especially with connections to other festivals, as was the case with the short film festival last year.”, he says. The festival’s program also includes concerts, street performances and workshops, enriching the experience for participants and the public. Another highlight of this edition will be the release of the first book by the Madagaslam association, entitled “Restez Vivants”, written by Na Hassi. This project was carried out in partnership with the Institut Français de Madagascar and Editions Karné, and will be launched on 7 December. In summary, this 15th edition of the National Slam marks a turning point for the festival, which is increasingly open to international talent and young people through the integration of digital. This dynamic offers the public a diverse programming and a framework conducive to the emergence of new voices in the world of slam poetry in Madagascar.&nbsp;Lucas RahajaniainaIndependent Reporter November 23, 2024Antananarivo, MadagascarThanks to our collaborators &nbsp;Photo: Andry Jacques Bruel/ Copyright/Independent Reporter-IR/ Madagascar/ 2024&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 2024 National Slam will focus on internationalization, youth and digital innovation to mark its 15th anniversary. From 28 November to 7 December 2024, poetry slam is invited in Madagascar with an enriched programming and new features. Malagasy and international slameurs come together for this 15th edition, highlighting new talents, unprecedented performances and a focus on youth through an innovative digital program.

15th National Slam, it's no longer just empty words

Back to the roots The Institut Français de Madagascar (IFM) is kicking off its 2025 cultural season with “Taombaovao”, an event designed to make a lasting impression. Conceived and artistically directed by Gad Bensalem, winner of the RFI 2024 Theatre Prize, the show will take place this Saturday at 6.30pm at the Institut Français de Madagascar in Analakely, and will highlight the main themes of the annual program, under the theme “Cultiver Demain”. At a press conference held at the IFM Analakely on 16 January, Gad Bensalem explained his vision for the event: “Taombaovao is a unique opportunity to combine information and emotion. I wanted each element of the show to carry a poetic message, while unveiling the projects that will set the pace for the year.” For the artist, the evening also represents a return to his roots: “My first shows were presented at the Institut Français de Madagascar, in the Salle Albert Camus. It's a symbolic place, not only for me, but also for Madagascar's cultural scene” he told during the press conference. Taombaovao is also a bit of a big challenge, he says, because it's all in the title “TAOMBAOVAO”, “we say Happy New Year” and present the season. In fact, “Taombaovao” is part of a program that is resolutely focused on young people and the emergence of local talent. Anne Angilbault, Deputy Director of the IFM, explained that this focus includes initiatives such as multimedia spaces for teenagers in the media library and festivals dedicated to young audiences. &nbsp;“The 2025 program will therefore be resolutely focused on young people.” she added. Co-organized collaborations The IFM is also placing particular emphasis on supporting emerging talent. With this in mind, the Institute is collaborating with the Projet Ony, a structure in Antananarivo that supports filmmakers, 3D animation developers and musicians. “We want to offer local talent opportunities to make a name for themselves on the national and international scene.”, added Anne Angilbault. Tsiry Rajaobelison, the IFM's cultural coordinator, added: “Gad Bensalem has worked with a number of artists to highlight the diversity and values of the 2025 program.” The show, conceived by Gad Bensalem, will bring together some fifteen artists from a variety of backgrounds, including dance, music, slam and many others. Among them will be Orad, the 2024 national slam champion who will be representing Madagascar at the World Slam Contest in Paris next May. Demonstrations of skateboarding, BMX and freestyle football will enhance the evening. At the same time, an acoustic performance by the Fidy Ratrimoarivony Trio will precede a clubbing evening hosted by DJ Manu. Based on a collaborative approach, this year's program features a number of events co-organized by local cultural players to enrich the artistic offering and meet the expectations of the public, says the same Managing Director. With “Taombaovao”, Gad Bensalem and the Institut Français de Madagascar are launching a cultural year based on innovation, social commitment and the promotion of talent. The theme of “Cultiver Demain” puts young people at the heart of this program, marking the start of a season looking to the future. Lucas RahajaniainaIndependent Reporter18 January 2025Antananarivo, Madagascar.Thanks to our collaborators &nbsp;Photo Andry Jacques Bruel/Copyright/Independent Reporter-IR / Madagascar / 2025

The winner of the Prix Théâtre RFI 2024 puts on an original show to launch a program geared towards young people and creativity. The Institut Français de Madagascar (IFM) opens its 2025 cultural season on Saturday 18 January with “Taombaovao”, a show by Gad Bensalem. Inspired by the theme “Cultiver Demain”, the event will combine poetry, information and artistic discovery to lay the foundations for a year resolutely turned towards cultural innovation.

“Taombaovao": Gad Bensalem opens the IFM's 2025 cultural season 

A major musical event for the Capital Winner of five awards at the most recent Flammes ceremony in Paris, including Francophone Male Artist of the Year, Tiakola is establishing himself as a key figure in Afro-urban music. His visit to Madagascar, organized by Nas Production and KP Event, is shaping up to be one of the year's major international entertainment highlights. This concert follows a momentum initiated in 2024 by the same producers, notably with the performances of Dadju and Tayc during their Héritage tour. Through these invitations, the organizers aim to strengthen Madagascar’s place in the international touring circuit, while embedding a strong social and educational dimension. During a press conference held on May 14 at the Orange Digital Center in Soarano, Sonia Ali-Ahmed, representative of Nas Production, emphasized the ambition of the project: "As you know, we managed to organize the concert of Dadju and Tayc. But it wasn't just a concert - it was also an opportunity to highlight Malagasy youth through various initiatives and a pilot project. This year, with the arrival of Tiakola, we are taking things a step further. He embodies ambitious and engaged youth. He was just named Male Artist of the Year at the Flammes on May 13 in Paris, and he’s eagerly awaited here. This is a dream come true for many young Malagasy people. Through his visit, we are launching our major project for the year: Horizon Madagascar, a long-term program supported by our partners." A program built around three pillars Horizon Madagascar goes beyond event management to offer a project structured around three complementary pillars designed to create synergies between culture, professional training, and civic engagement. The first pillar, cultural in nature, aims to showcase young local talent through the Tremplin Horizon Madagascar. This initiative will allow local artists, selected through auditions, to perform as opening acts for Tiakola’s concert. "We want to give young talents in Madagascar the chance to audition, in order to select those who will open for Tiakola. This initiative, which we call the ‘Tremplin,’ gives everyone a chance. And like last year, we will provide support and promotion to help these artists gain recognition," explained Sonia Ali-Ahmed. Auditions will take place in three rounds on May 16, 23, and 30, at Havoria Anosy. The second pillar focuses on training in event management. A masterclass, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, will introduce young people to the workings of a rapidly evolving industry. The goal is to strengthen local skills and create bridges between training, employment, and cultural entrepreneurship, in line with the country’s economic realities. The third pillar centers on environmental awareness, particularly through a campaign on waste sorting and collection, scheduled around World Environment Day. This initiative aims to foster responsibility among youth and integrate environmental issues into the cultural dynamic. Events and Environment On the day of the concert, doors will open at 3 p.m. Artists selected through the Tremplin will perform first. Tiakola, highly anticipated by his Malagasy fans, is scheduled to take the stage around 7 p.m. for a performance of approximately one hour. "Bringing foreign artists to Madagascar is a great opportunity for us - and not an easy task," said a KP Event representative at the May 14 press conference. "If the vibe and connection with the audience are strong, he might stay on stage longer than expected," he added. Regarding the future arrival of other international artists, the organizers remain open: "That will depend on public demand and how well this concert goes," the KP Event representative noted. By combining an ambitious artistic vision with strong social and educational foundations, Horizon Madagascar demonstrates that culture can play a strategic role in the development of a dynamic youth. At the intersection of music, civic engagement, and professional opportunity, this event could well mark a turning point in how cultural projects are developed and sustained in Madagascar. Lucas Rahajaniaina Independent Reporter May 18, 2025 Antananarivo, MadagascarThanks to our collaborators Photo: Andry Jacques Bruel / Copyright / Independent Reporter- IR / Madagascar / 2025

The arrival of the French artist comes with a structured program designed to promote Malagasy talent and train young people in the fields of culture and event management. On June 11, 2025, Madagascar will welcome for the first time Franco-Congolese artist Tiakola, a rising figure in the Francophone Afro-urban music scene. But this highly anticipated concert, scheduled at the Palais des Sports et de la Culture in Mahamasina, goes far beyond a simple musical performance. It embodies a large-scale cultural initiative: Horizon Madagascar, a program launched by Nas Production and KP Event, with support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Its objective: to make culture a lever for integration, engagement, and empowerment for Malagasy youth.



Tiakola in Madagascar: Beyond the concert, a springboard for youth

Independent Reporter (IR): You are now among the most recognized Malagasy artists in France. Can you take us through your journey, from Madagascar to the European music scene?&nbsp;Ludy: Our story is quite crazy and unusual. I started singing at 9, and a few days later, Nathan heard me and decided to join in. That’s when it all started - with little covers posted by our mom, Soa, on Facebook and YouTube. We had our first performance at CCESCA in 2015, and in 2016, after moving back to France, Nathan joined The Voice Kids. In 2018, he joined a band that covered Yannick Noah songs, and in 2019, we auditioned for The Voice together. That’s when we realized we wanted to pursue this passion as a duo. Then came the Eurovision adventure with our former label. But now we’ve returned to our roots doing what we love, at our own pace, honestly and independently. That’s how TELO came to life.&nbsp;IR: The album title TELO carries deep personal meaning. Why this choice?&nbsp;Ludy: TELO is our very first album. Our group’s name, SOA, is a nod to the last part of our mother’s name, Holisoa. We’ve always been stronger together the three of us. She’s the reason we got to do The Voice, Eurovision, our first shows, our 2025 debut concert at the Metronum in Toulouse, and now this album. Without her, none of this would’ve been possible.&nbsp;IR: Did she also encourage you to make this album?&nbsp;Nathan: Yes, she did. She told us it was time. Over the years, we’d stored up so many songs&nbsp;on our phones, in our heads, on our laptops. She told us, “You have everything you need.” We chose 14 tracks, but we’re hoping to release more soon.&nbsp;IR: Your influences seem diverse. How would you describe your musical style?&nbsp;Ludy: We love music in all its forms. We blend RnB, French and English pop, rap, and Malagasy sounds. There’s no fixed style; we follow our inspiration.&nbsp;Nathan: Our dual culture is natural. We were born in Toulouse and lived in Mahajanga for eight years. This mix flows into our music without even thinking. It’s just who we are a balance between Malagasy “moramora life” and French life.&nbsp;IR: What themes do you explore in TELO?&nbsp;Nathan: Love, friendship, motherhood, brotherhood. These are universal themes, but they’re deeply personal for us.&nbsp;Ludy: This album is the result of everything we’ve experienced. It’s our “dream album,” and we’re incredibly proud of it.&nbsp;IR: What was your creative process like?&nbsp;Ludy: There wasn’t a set formula. Some songs date back to 2019, others to 2024. Sometimes Nathan would write lyrics, and I’d produce a beat. Other times, I’d start with an instrumental and we’d build on it together. Most of the songs were finished in my bedroom, with our studio mics. And of course, Maman Soa gave the final stamp of approval!&nbsp;IR: Did you collaborate with other artists?&nbsp;Ludy: Yes. I produced, mixed, and mastered all the tracks we’ve released so far. We write everything together. We also worked with Valian, Justin Vali’s son, on the track CHANGÉ. And our close friend Sina collaborated with us on OCEAN.&nbsp;IR: Your music blends traditional Malagasy and Western sounds. Is that intentional?&nbsp;Nathan: Not at all, it’s just who we are. The message we want to send is: stay true to yourself and create from the heart.&nbsp;Ludy: Whatever your art music, painting, acting what matters is being aligned with your work. Being able to look back ten years from now and say, “I’m still proud of what I made. No regrets.”&nbsp;With TELO, SOA delivers more than just an album, it’s a heartfelt, cultural, and artistic statement. Between Malagasy heritage, creative freedom, and universal emotion, the duo asserts their singular voice on the international stage. A sincere and powerful debut, to be listened to without restraint.&nbsp;Lucas RahajaniainaIndependent ReporterMay 21, 2025Antananarivo, MadagascarThanks to our collaborators Photo courtesy of SOA, photo credited zulu.corbeau /Independent Reporter -IR / Madagascar / 2025&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Franco-Malagasy duo Ludysoa and Nantan unveil a heartfelt debut album that blends cultures, personal history, and artistic affirmation. Their voices and sibling bond made a lasting impression on The Voice in 2020 and Eurovision in 2022. Today, SOA steps back into the spotlight with TELO, their debut album released on May 3 in Toulouse. Entirely self-produced, the 14-track project draws from their Malagasy roots, life in France, and a powerful family bond. In this email interview, Ludysoa and Nantan reflect on their artistic journey, their connection to Madagascar, and the profound meaning behind TELO.



SOA: “TELO is our dream album, a tribute to our story and our mother”

The homeland is not for sale This meeting was officially announced during President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Madagascar on April 23, 2025. In Antananarivo, this announcement signaled a renewed desire to engage in a structured dialogue on this historic issue. But this time, the "Big Island" is advancing its position with method and firmness, sending to Paris not merely a team of experts, but a delegation of hope, a testament to an assumed sovereignty. While the dispute has persisted since independence, the current configuration strikes a new tone: Madagascar no longer comes as an isolated petitioner, but as a sovereign, structured, and strategic actor. Led by Foreign Affairs Minister Rafaravavitafika Rasata, the Malagasy delegation embodies a firm will to support a national claim with multidisciplinary expertise. It is composed of Mahatante Tsimanaoraty Paubert, Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy. Rakotondrazafy Lalatiana Henriette, Senator. Dr. Tehindrazanarivelo Djacoba Oliva, Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, whose mastery of international law is an essential lever against France. Andriamaholy Dina, Secretary General of the Vice-Presidency. Rabemananjara Harifera Elisa, Director General of International Cooperation. Ranarijaona Hery Lisy Tiana, Director General of Scientific Research. Vice-Admiral Ranaivoseheno Antoine de Padoue, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment. A multidimensional strategy This composition is not by chance. It reflects a political will to address the issue from all angles: diplomatic, legal, scientific, environmental, and security. This delegation is strong, with key presences and a diversity of skills among institutional representatives, technical experts, and state strategists. Several women hold high-level positions, illustrating a modern, inclusive, and responsible vision of Malagasy diplomacy. However, the absence of youth or civil society representatives is noted. Such openness would have reinforced the idea that this claim extends beyond the state apparatus to become a generational and popular cause. The Scattered Islands are not just simple rocks in the sea. They conceal rich Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) in fisheries, energy resources, and biodiversity. They have become a strategic stake in an Indian Ocean under intense international covetousness. They represent a painful colonial symbol, unilaterally detached from Madagascar in 1960, just before independence, without consultation of the people.&nbsp;A claim founded on international Law The Malagasy claim is based on solid legal foundations, notably Resolution 1514 (XV) adopted on December 14, 1960, by the UN, declaring: “All peoples have the right to self-determination [...]. Any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity and the territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.” The islands were administratively attached to Madagascar under French colonization before their detachment by decree a few months before independence. This colonial maneuver is now contested as illegitimate under Resolution 1514. As early as 1979, the United Nations General Assembly, through its Resolution 34/91, recognized the legitimacy of the Malagasy demand: “Invites the French Government to enter without further delay into negotiations with the Government of Madagascar with a view to the reintegration of the islands [...].” It also “Requests the French Government to refrain from any action likely to prejudice the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Madagascar.” This resolution, though non-binding, formally legitimizes Madagascar's position. It follows in the continuity of claims made since the presidency of Didier Ratsiraka, notably via the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and non-aligned countries. By mobilizing such a robust delegation, Madagascar sends a clear signal: it is ready for dialogue, but demands that historical truth, justice, and sovereignty be the foundations of this process.&nbsp;Govina DAMYIndependent ReporterAntananarivo, MadagascarJune 28, 2025Thanks to our collaborators. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Independent Reporter-IR/Madagascar/2025

In a context where geopolitical tensions are crystallizing around strategic maritime zones, Madagascar is set to take a new step in its fight for sovereignty. On June 30, 2025, in Paris, the second meeting of the Franco-Malagasy Joint Commission will be held, focusing on the future of the Scattered Islands - Nosy Ampela, Nosy Kely, Nosy Sambatra, and Nosy Bedimaky.



Scattered Islands in Paris: All eyes on the new delegation

D-Day The Malagasy delegation is certainly rich in diplomats, jurists, scientists, military personnel, and senior officials - undeniable technical skills. However, no historian or specialist in historical law has been included in this strategic team. In a negotiation where historical memory and divergent interpretations of the past are precisely at the heart of the dispute, this absence is highly significant. The dispute over the Scattered Islands (Nosy Ampela, Nosy Kely, Nosy Sambatra, Nosy Bedimaky) is old and complex, marked by historical and diplomatic misunderstandings. For example, there's the confusion over historical ownership. Paris maintains that these islands were administered separately from Madagascar before independence. However, many colonial maps and texts from that period explicitly link them to the Big Island. There's also the transfer of sovereignty in 1960, which stipulates that the islands were not explicitly returned to Madagascar upon independence. But this lack of mention does not equate to consent to occupation, especially since Madagascar immediately claimed them. And finally, the one-sided archives, where French colonial sources are often highlighted by Paris. But where are the Malagasy sources, local testimonies, and evidence of traditional navigation practices, which are nevertheless crucial? Only a historian is able to re-establish this balance and unearth hidden truths. When history is absent, law falters The dispute over the Scattered Islands goes far beyond mere economic considerations (fishing resources, oil reserves, strategic position). It is primarily a debate about national sovereignty, collective identity, colonial memory, and historical reparation. Without a historian in its ranks: Who will present the precise chronology of events with the required authority? Who will recall that the UN, as early as 1979, recognized the Malagasy identity of these territories through its resolutions 34/91 and 35/123? Who will effectively dismantle the colonial narratives often taken for granted in international diplomatic circles? For decades, France has solidly built its arguments on historical elements: cartography, ordinances, maritime administrations. Madagascar, however, possesses equally rich historical documentation, but it is not sufficiently mobilized or valued on the international scene. By failing to include historians or specialists in diplomatic history, the Malagasy side weakens its own capacity for counter-argumentation. This is a major strategic error, comparable to entering a chess game by voluntarily leaving out a key piece.&nbsp;History, a forgotten weapon in diplomacy The current composition of the Malagasy delegation perhaps reveals a certain political discomfort in fully embracing the historical dimension of the dossier. However, faced with a partner who has structured its narrative for decades, Madagascar cannot afford to leave its own past voiceless. A historian is not just a simple storyteller of the past. They are a strategist of memory, a deconstructor of dominant narratives, and a fierce defender of forgotten truths. By leaving historians on the sidelines, Madagascar risks losing an essential battle: that of the narrative. It is in this narrative that the Scattered Islands find their Malagasy legitimacy, not only through law, but also through an inseparable history, geography, and collective memory. As the maxim so aptly puts it: "History is a weapon. You must know it to defend yourself." While awaiting Paris, let's see the continuation of this struggle towards true sovereignty. The Editorial TeamIndependent ReporterJune 30, 2025Antananarivo, MadagascarThanks to our collaborators Photo: Google/Independent Reporter-IR/Madagascar/2025

As the second meeting of the Franco-Malagasy joint commission on the Scattered Islands is being held today at the Quai d'Orsay in Paris, a nagging question arises: why does the Malagasy delegation not include any historians? Faced with a dossier deeply rooted in colonial history, national sovereignty, and territorial claims, this omission is not only surprising but alarming.



D-Day for the Scattered Islands :The hope of good News!

Two narratives, one meeting The second session of the Joint Commission took place as scheduled on June 30 in Paris. Yet the aftermath devolved into diplomatic discord. Two conflicting versions surfaced: France firmly reiterated full sovereignty over the Îles Éparses, while Madagascar spoke of advancing dialogue with a future meeting planned on Malagasy soil. This divergence sparked skepticism and frustration. The French stance was unmistakably resolute and, at times, condescending: “France reaffirms its sovereignty over the Îles Éparses.” There was no hint of reconsideration or joint management - France considers the matter settled. Madagascar, meanwhile, struck a more diplomatic tone: “Open and constructive exchanges were held, with the next meeting to take place in Madagascar.” Yet the Malagasy statement conspicuously omitted any reference to France’s unilateral sovereignty claim, as if the two parties were discussing entirely different meetings. On July 3, during a press conference in Anosy, the Malagasy Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported to the nation, but offered no confirmation of any French concession. Minister Rasata Rafaravavitafika hailed the mission as a “complete success.” Should this be interpreted as a state fabrication? Manipulation? Or simply a reflection of unequal power? In reality, both governments are engaged in an asymmetrical chess match: France, confident in its military and administrative control, shuts down debate, disregarding UN resolutions favoring Madagascar and Madagascar, aware of its limited international influence, opts for cautious diplomacy to keep the conversation alive, even if it means appearing tentative or ambiguous. An ongoing historical dispute At the time of decolonization in 1960, the Scattered Islands were separated from Madagascar by decree, in violation of UN principles. Since then, Madagascar has demanded their return. In 1979, the United Nations ruled in favor of Madagascar’s claim. Without enforcement mechanisms, however, France ignored the ruling. The Joint Commission today appears to be running in circles. Is it intended to pacify public opinion, buy time, or mask a slow surrender? Beyond historical grievances, the stakes are deeply geostrategic. These islands grant France a vast Exclusive Economic Zone rich in marine resources, including potential hydrocarbons, and a critical position in the Indian Ocean. For Madagascar, reclaiming the islands is a matter of national sovereignty, economic development, and international credibility. This stark divergence underscores the asymmetric relationship: France controls the sovereignty narrative, backed by military might and diplomatic clout; Madagascar, lacking leverage, avoids confrontation to keep dialogue open. Historical justice lies with Madagascar; power lies with France. Progress or Illusion? On July 3, 2025, a joint statement acknowledged the existence of a sovereignty dispute. Yet each side interpreted this differently: Madagascar saw a diplomatic victory - a formal recognition of the dispute, a roadmap forward, and a pause on unilateral French actions. France, however, merely reiterated its sovereignty claim. The status quo remains carefully preserved. Legally, Paris concedes nothing; symbolically, Antananarivo gains acknowledgment of the dispute and a promise of a future meeting at home. But the gap between symbolic recognition and actual restitution is vast. This second Commission session did not resolve the conflict; it merely shifted it into a quieter forum. Co-management may be on the horizon but remains uncertain. Madagascar strives to keep the issue alive. France manages tensions without yielding, exploring technical cooperation to ease criticism while protecting sovereignty. Under pressure from public opinion, unions, and academics (SECES), Madagascar must deliver results. But this so-called “diplomatic victory” is mostly symbolic. By preserving the dialogue without raising the stakes, Madagascar risks losing the narrative battle - and its legitimacy. France plays a familiar tune: institutional silence cloaked in legal arrogance, adopting a boldly postcolonial posture. The upcoming steps, especially the next session in Madagascar, will be critical. Is a compromise possible? Co-management? A stronger partnership? Or is this all a diplomatic charade, designed to maintain a status quo that benefits only one side? The Editorial Team Independent Reporter July 5, 2025 Antananarivo, MadagascarThanks to our collaborators Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Independent Reporter-IR/Madagascar/2025&nbsp;

France proclaims sovereignty. Madagascar claims a diplomatic victory. Two narratives emerge from a single meeting. What truly transpired on June 30, 2025, in Paris, during the Franco-Malagasy Joint Commission on the Îles Éparses or Scattered Islands? Beneath the surface of dialogue, France asserts its vision, Madagascar treads carefully, and the Commission spins in place. Behind the carefully worded statements, one truth stands out: the dance is already choreographed - and Antananarivo is not the one leading.

Îles Éparses: Madagascar dances to a waltz imposed by France

A King of Menabe in the face of colonial history Toera, king of Menabe at the end of the 19th century, was one of the last rulers to oppose French occupation. In August 1897, he led his men at the Battle of Ambiky, where several hundred Sakalava confronted the colonial army. Refusing any form of submission, he was captured and executed. His skull, along with those of two of his military chiefs, was sent to France and preserved in museum institutions, transformed into colonial trophies. The posthumous name given to him, Andriamilafikarivo (“the one whose death caused a thousand others”), recalls both the tragedy of Ambiky and the scale of the massacre. For more than a century, the king’s descendants and the Sakalava people demanded the restitution of these remains. Their return represents symbolic reparation for Madagascar and a rehabilitation of the memory of those who resisted colonization. This repatriation is part of a broader process of returning African objects and human remains from France. On August 27, in Paris, the French Ministry of Culture officially handed over these relics to Madagascar’s Ministry of Communication and Culture. A few days later, they were received in Antananarivo by the Malagasy authorities and the Kamamy family. On September 2, a military ceremony was held at the Mausoleum of Avaratr’Ambohitsaina, a national memorial site where several figures of Malagasy history rest. After this symbolic stage in the capital, the remains of King Toera and his warriors began their journey to Menabe, their homeland, with stops in several localities, including Vakinankaratra and Miandrivazo, where residents wished to pay them tribute. The Republic’s Tribute: Between memory and patriotism During the ceremony at the Mausoleum, President Andry Rajoelina highlighted the importance of this moment for national memory: “With emotion and in a spirit of patriotism, we pay tribute to King Toera and his soldiers who fell at Ambiky in 1897. Their sacrifice rekindles in us the love of the homeland,” he declared. He recalled that the promise of repatriation had been made in November 2020, during the rehabilitation of the Rova of Madagascar: “I had affirmed that the remains of King Toera had to return to his land. Today, that promise is fulfilled. History does not fade. To know where we are going, we must know where we come from.” According to him, this return carries a double message: on the one hand, it restores pride and dignity to descendants and future generations; on the other hand, it reminds us that unity is the strength of the Malagasy people: “The events of Ambiky teach us that when they are united and perseverant, Malagasy people see their efforts triumph throughout history.” Finally, the President stressed that this repatriation should inspire continuity: “King Toera is a hero of Madagascar. Faced with weapons, he chose the ultimate sacrifice. Today, it is our duty to pursue his fight, not with weapons, but by building a strong nation, founded on unity and love of the homeland.” The king’s great-grandson, Kamamy Georges Junior, expressed his relief and recalled the weight of family transmission: “As a family, this is a moment we have long awaited. My grandfather Kamamy Pierre and my father Kamamy Georges Senior had wished for this return. Today, I have the honor of carrying this duty of memory,” he said at the Mausoleum after the ceremony. He emphasized that this repatriation is only a first step: “Many traditional rituals have not yet been carried out. The ceremonies are only just beginning.” A Family united around its heritage A moving moment marked the return: the sprinkling of water from the sacred Tsiribihina River on the king’s relics. This blessing, performed by dignitaries, symbolized the sovereign’s welcome back to his land and the spiritual purification linked to his return. In Sakalava tradition, the river’s water is a bearer of life and continuity; it establishes the bond between ancestors and their descendants. On the matter of protocol, Kamamy Georges Junior affirmed his respect for republican institutions while asserting the importance of tradition: “The French Republic handed over the relics to the Malagasy Republic. It is now legitimate for the Malagasy Republic to entrust them to the Kamamy family and the Sakalava people, so that we may fulfill our own protocol.” He also insisted on the legitimacy of his lineage: “I belong to the patriarchal line. It goes back to Toera, then to Kamamy Pierre, then to my father, and today to me.” He underlined the symbolic significance of this restitution: “It is a symbol of pride. I can look people in the eye, proud to be the great-grandson of a hero who gave his life to defend his territory. Defending Menabe means defending Madagascar.” During the ceremony, Joe Kamamy, representing the family, expressed his gratitude: “We deeply thank God for this day. We also express our gratitude to the President of the Republic and to the Ministry of Communication and Culture. What took place today is an honor for Menabe and for the Sakalava people. The value of our ancestors and the strength of the Malagasy people in the face of colonization have been recognized and brought to the attention of the whole world.” Beyond recognition, he also voiced a wish for family unity: “Our hope is that this event will help ease disagreements within the family. In every family there are tensions, but we are doing our best to remain united. We share the same tomb, and it is unthinkable for us to be divided.” A memory rehabilitated The return of King Toera and his two war chiefs is one of the first cases of restitution of African royal relics by France. But it also raises a broader issue: the many Malagasy objects and human remains still held in European museums. For Kamamy Georges Junior, this repatriation is the result of twenty years of efforts with the Quai Branly Museum, the Musée de l’Homme, and the French Ministry of Culture. He declared himself determined to continue this fight for further restitutions, while emphasizing the need for reconciliation and cohesion: “Today is a celebration for the Sakalava. There is only one royal tomb at Ambiky and only one legitimacy.” 128 years after Ambiky, the return of King Toera to his homeland marks a milestone in the recognition of Malagasy resistance to colonization. It represents both a historical reparation, an identity symbol, and a call for national unity. Through this gesture, the king’s descendants and the Sakalava people reconnect with their history. By combining military honors with the recognition of tradition, the Malagasy Republic affirms that the memory of the nation’s heroes will not disappear. The blessing with water from the Tsiribihina River, a sign of welcome and purification, sealed this return to ancestral land.&nbsp;Lucas RahajaniainaIndependent ReporterSeptember 3, 2025Antananarivo, MadagascarThanks &nbsp;to our collaborators Photo: Andry Jacques Bruel / Copyright Independent Reporter-IR / Madagascar / 2025&nbsp;

The restitution of the remains of the Sakalava king Toera and his warriors marks a turning point in Madagascar’s historical and cultural memory. On September 1, 2025, Madagascar welcomed the remains of King Toera along with the skulls of two of his war chiefs, repatriated from France after more than a century. An official ceremony was held at the Mausoleum of Avaratr’Ambohitsaina on September 2, attended by the President of the Republic, the Kamamy family, traditional dignitaries, and the Sakalava people. This event, described as “historic,” symbolizes the recognition of anticolonial resistance and reignites the debate on the restitution of African heritage still held in Western museums.



128 Years After Ambiky,: The Kabeso of King Toera returns to his homeland

This would be a turning point of Madagascar political history. But, many abstainers were registred.

This would be a turning point of Madagascar political history. But, many abstainers were registred.

Last 16 November, the Malagasy people went to the polls

Proximity to African youth The largest platform for meetings, sharing and exchanges between young people from the African continent will make its big entrance this year in Madagascar.&nbsp;From 24 to 30 November 2025, the Ministry of Youth and Sports says it is ready for this challenge that will make Madagascar one of the great pillars of the promotion of youth in Africa.&nbsp;Indeed, YouthConnekt is a program aimed at empowering young women and men in their professional development and bringing together all the African youth for a better future for the mother continent. It was launched in 2012 in Rwanda by the Rwandan president Paul Kagame. With a population of 226 million young people aged 15-24, Africa has the youngest population in the world.&nbsp;And the objective of this event is to connect African youth to foster a socio-economic transformation across the continent.&nbsp;The shared vision of integrating African youth into sustainable development and human capital development. In this case, the executive committee of the Youth Congress Africa 2025 Summit in Madagascar has already been active since 30 January. According to the Minister of Youth and Sport, MJS, MARSON MOUSTAPHA Abdulah: “The goal is to properly organize this event so that it becomes the largest summit in the history of Youth Connect Africa.” Between $1 million and $2 million Overall, 15,000 to 25,000 young people are expected on the Big Island for this edition. The programme includes conferences, cultural and sporting events, exchanges at emblematic places such as Kianja Barea Mahamasina, Ankoay Gymnasium, and other sites to be defined, according to the event organizers. These activities will be aimed at adding dimension to this 8th edition, added the Minister. “It will be a memorable and attractive stay, so that visitors will want to come back later,” he pronounced. In addition, to carry out this organization, a funding of several billion is necessary. “The organization of the YouthConnekt Africa Summit requires a budget of between $1 million and $2 million. However, with our national and international partners, this will not pose a major problem,” said the Minister. Nine months before the event, $400,000 in funding is already available, he said. As a host country for an international event such as the YouthConnekt Africa Summit, Madagascar will have many economic benefits to gain if it takes advantage of them. Great opportunity for the country In this context, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is considering promoting tourism, craft industries and gastronomy during the event. He encourages young Malagasy people to be dynamic, creative and to take advantage of this international showcase: “Do not hesitate to get in touch with those who can offer you interesting opportunities, especially in terms of professional relationships.” In addition, the event also aims to open new doors for the Malagasy economy and promote social development. Many new jobs will be created in various sectors of activity.&nbsp;National consultation and awareness-raising will be organized so that all young Malagasy, regardless of their region, can take advantage of this opportunity. “Who knows, maybe one or more Malagasy young people will become an ambassador for YouthConnekt Africa?” concluded the minister. Kanto KennedyIndependent reporter05 February 2025Antananarivo, MadagascarThanks to our collaborators &nbsp;Photo: Andry Jacques Bruel/Copyright/Independent Reporter-IR/Madagascar/2025

From 24 to 30 November 2025, Madagascar will host the YouthConnekt Africa Summit. It will be the largest pan-African event for youth, as promised by the Ministry of Youth and Sport on 30 January at Tanora HQ in Andraharo.

YouthConnekt Africa Summit in November 2025, 15,000 and 25,000 expected young people in Madagascar  

Between culture and system. Indeed, the informal sector has never been seen as an illegal system, but over time, the country's historical events have changed the daily lives of the Malagasy, who have become accustomed to the old forms of bartering. Despite the State's efforts to bring all monetary activity within the bounds of legality, the informal sector has always played a major role in the country's market. Overwhelmed by the difficulties of daily life, the little people start to undertake their own way to survive, in various commercial fields. Without official statistics, according to one of the street vendors in Behoririka, a popular district of Madagascar's capital, nine out of ten Malagasy come from a family of vendors. It's a deeply rooted culture, but one that's oriented towards the liberal economy. From this point of view, a Malagasy is often born with the desire to succeed, whatever the means at hand. As time goes by, looking for a job is no easy task for the average citizen. Unemployment has always been part of the Malagasy professional routine, right from the age of maturity.&nbsp;Despite the fact that decent employment for all has been one of the Velirano goals of this regime, which is struggling to realize and put into practice what it once said. Inappropriately, many young university students tend to study in order to find a job afterwards, rather than to create one. It's a long-standing situation that seems to have no resolution, even though hundreds of projects are focusing on it.&nbsp;According to Ramiliarison Andriampeno, Chairman of the Board of Directors, PCA, of the Cercle de Réflexion des Économistes de Madagascar, CREM, "Young people study in the hope of finding a job, such as becoming a civil servant or working on the assembly line in private companies. They don't have this creative culture", he confirms. A fact that stagnates, among other things, the economic contribution of young graduates or their responsibility at the forefront of the country's economic scene, given that job offers in the country do not match university skills. And they are becoming increasingly rare, especially as competition from offshore companies is fierce. However, it should be noted that some 500,000 young people enter the job market every year, and in relation to this figure, the state has nothing but projects to offer them.&nbsp;Open-air markets. With jobs in short supply, many are turning to the informal sector to earn a living. In other words, the streets, which are filling up with more and more merchants, are living proof. In other words, entrepreneurship is leaning more towards the informal sector, and this is true throughout the regions. To put it simply, the Malagasy people are entrepreneurial by nature, just by seeing all the small itinerant businesses, stalls and stores on display in all four corners of the island. Like Mr. Ramo, a sharp businessman in his forties who has been working as a mobile coffee vendor for the past 10 years. Originally from the countryside in Antanifotsy, Antsirabe, he's always been on the streets of Antananarivo.&nbsp;"I immigrated to the city to earn money to support my family, who stayed in the countryside to farm," he says. Not having much luck finding a job in the city, he used his know-how to move into the kitchen. For a decade in the city, he has been sending money home to his family on a regular weekly basis. At present, he claims to make around 35,000 ariary, or 7 euros, a day, and sends 50,000 ariary to his family every weekend. "I return home twice a month," he says again. Many people immigrate to the city in the hope of improving their living conditions, but the dream is often not what it seems. Unlike others who leave their villages never to return, Mr. Ramo moved to finance his work projects in the countryside. Social networks as business tools. If Mr. Ramo didn't have the chance to study, there are those who did, but couldn't find a job. Like Mr.Herizo, a young man of 28 who works in the resale of Chinese products such as sandals and shoes online, more precisely on a social network. "I chose the virtual world as my field of choice, because I don't want to have to deal with the agents of the Commune Urbaine d'Antananarivo who chase away street vendors", he says. Having studied management for two years, he was unable to find what he wanted to do as a job, which is why he decided to take up this activity almost a year ago. However, he hasn't given up hope and continues to send applications to various companies in the hope of one day being recruited. By selling online, he says he earns between 300,000 and 500,000 ariary, approx.100 euro, a month, depending on the sales he makes. Although there is as yet no law or legal structure governing online sales, those concerned prefer to do their small business online rather than be "robbed" by the tax authorities. Good or bad, the legality of any profit-making activity is always recommended. This would bring a certain stability to the system of economic governance. However, some Malagasy do undertake business, but informally, and only when they are caught off guard. What's more, most of those working in the informal sector don't even think about formalizing, because they feel that formalizing is an additional burden that needs to be continually addressed. At least, that's what Mr. Ramo and Mr. Herizo said when asked if they were ever thinking of formalizing their activities.&nbsp;Riana AndriamirindrarivonjyIndependent ReporterAugust 10th, 2023Antananarivo, Madagascar.&nbsp;Many thanks to the contributors.Photo: Razanamparany Andrianirina Raymond Bernard

Paying taxes makes many Malagasy in the formal sector cringe. It's expensive, and often out of reach for other economic players who prefer to stay in the black. Every year, the country's tax offices are packed with young entrepreneurs who often fail to understand the State's determination to take far more from them than they earn. As a result, they choose to work in the informal sector rather than be held back by a system that forces them to give up entrepreneurship. 

Survival entrepreneurship,when the informal sector saves the day

Independent Reporter: You are Gourio Laurino Raoelijaona, winner of the "Pan-African Documentary Competition" category at the 19th Madagascourt Film Festival. Can you tell us a little about how it all began?&nbsp;&nbsp;Gourio Laurino Raoelijaona: As you've already mentioned, I don't think I'll be running again. Laughs.&nbsp;Although, yes, I might add that I live in Tuléar, where, incidentally, I made this documentary film "Les sentiers du doute", more precisely in the Mikea forest near Ambatomilo. For the record, I've always been a big fan of documentaries since I was very young, and I'm also very passionate about travelling. The two combine well, and I've been lucky enough to make a career out of it. I chose to make a film about the Mikea because I'm also in the tourism business. So, through my travels, I've been able to see the Mikea with tourists and see that there are two kinds of Mikea: those who are real Mikea who still live in the forest, and the "fake Mikea", as I call them, because they already live next to the hotel infrastructure and are "tourist curiosities". Because of all this, the Mikea could be influenced by modern life and disappear. And what would the Mikea forest be without the Mikea? So I wanted to show this through the magic of film. IR: But what prompted you to choose the subject of culture for your films?&nbsp;And can you tell us more about your work??&nbsp;And could you perhaps share with us your feelings about these victories?&nbsp;&nbsp; G.L.R.: I chose culture as my subject because back in 2022, with my 3-minute film entitled "Sihanaky et la disparition des géants" ,Sihanaky and the disappearance of the giants, I was the winner of the "ePOP Grand Prize" in an international video competition. ePOP is the 1st international network of people committed to the environment, which bears witness to people's feelings about the consequences of environmental and climate change, developed by RFI planète Radio and IRD, the French Institute for Development Research. So I wanted to change the subject to vary my filmography. My feelings? I... I'm both happy and unhappy to have won, because my father died in Tuléar a few days after I finished the film in Toulouse, without him having seen the documentary, even though his name and that of my mother are in the end credits.&nbsp;In a way, I wanted to surprise him. Sigh. He hasn't seen the successes that have followed either, of which there have been three so far for "Les sentiers du doute", and he's still waiting for the results at other festivals around the world where it's been selected. In fact, the win at this 19th Madagascourt Film Festival is dedicated to him. IR: It's a fine tribute, indeed... And how and how long did it take you to make this film?&nbsp;And what are the prospects for the future?&nbsp; G.L.R.: I was able to make this film thanks to the production grant for a documentary of my choice following my victory in the ePOP competition in 2022, and also with the support of my family. And for the shoot, it took me a total of three months for pre-production, post-production and finalising the film. In terms of prospects, I'd say they're promising. Seeing fiction films at the Madagascourt Film Festival, I would like to explore different avenues, including other film genres in addition to documentary. IR: How do you see the situation and future of cinema in southern Madagascar? What potential is there? G.L.R: The audiovisual situation in southern Madagascar has enormous potential, but it also presents challenges. There is growing interest in film development, but infrastructure and resources are needed to support its growth, namely a large audiovisual production house. Why not also open a national audiovisual college like the one in Toulouse, since that's what Tuléar is also known as. All joking aside, it's a great project for young people who want to train in the audiovisual industry, including me. IR: A message perhaps?&nbsp;&nbsp;﻿G.L.R: More like a piece of advice for people who want to get into the audiovisual business: keep learning, keep persevering, keep being inspired... I started by doing drone work with people who were already in the audiovisual business in Tuléar. That enabled me to see the different ways of making a video, and so I took from each of them their knowledge. DAMY GovinaIndependent Reporter&nbsp;15 July 2024&nbsp;Antananarivo, Madagascar.Thanks to Mr Gourio Laurino Raoelijaona Photo: Courtesy of Gourio Laurino Raoelijaona

Winner of the "Zébu d'or" award in the "Pan-African Documentary Competition" category at the 19th edition of the Madagascar Film Festival, MFF, and the Rencontres du Film Court , RFC, Gourio Laurino Raoelijaona, aged 28, is increasingly exporting his filmic signature on a different level with his production of "Les Sentiers du doute", The Paths of Doubt, which sets out the major dilemma facing the indigenous Mikea populations, like those around the world.  Resist or succumb to the lure of modernity and the cultural concessions it imposes? Their choice defines their future.  His work won him the prize for best short documentary in the "Human Rights" category at the "Life After Oil" International Film Festival in Italy, and the "Best Story" award at the "Beneath the River Danube" International Film Festival in Serbia last June.  His documentary film, Sihanaky et la disparition des géants , Sihanaky and  the disappearance of the giants, won the ePOP Grand Prix at the 4th edition of the video competition entitled "Fais voir ce qu'ils ressentent" , Let them see what they feel, organized by ePOP in Paris, France, in 2022. Standing 1.80 metres tall, he has a multi-dimensional vision for Madagascar, despite the fact that, having studied law, nothing predicted a future in the 7th art. Interview. 


"I dedicate these victories to my father", Gourio Laurino Raoelijaona , documentary film-maker.

La presse mahoraise l’a déjà annoncé, la viande malagasy servira les palais des habitants de Mayotte en 2025. Une nouvelle précoce tandis que la situation dans le Sud de Madagascar, lieu de l’installation et de l’exploitation de ce projet, se complique suite à l’appel de certaines personnalités publiques et politiques au mouvement « Stop Bovima ». Si l’on revient, en effet, sur la réaction des natifs des régions Anôsy et Androy, l’accueil du concept divise la population, majoritairement, d’éleveurs qui se dit sentir une démarche piégeant les fermiers, mais les autorités locales décideurs essaient ,vaille que vaille, de persuader cette dernière des valeurs ajoutées de ce projet pour le développement de cette partie de la Grande île. Une idée de développement, qui  plus est, perçue dubitative. 

Exportation de la viande bovine , tension sur la théorie du gagnant-gagnant 

Un doux playlist ancestral. Avec les nombreux événements culturels qui vont se dérouler un peu partout à Antananarivo, un évènement marque ce weekend, celui du quarto ; Ralanto, Mbola Talenta, Haja Telefongady et Beauzaka, qui montera sur la scène du Karibotel 26, à Analakely pour un cabaret cent pour cent “Bagasy”, le samedi 03 Février prochain. Un mélange d’art oratoire poétique mélodieux accompagné d’instruments de musique, souvent classiques, comme la guitare ou encore la valiha,&nbsp;et d’un air d’opéra , ce genre musical faisant la particularité d’Antananarivo fait toujours l’unanimité auprès de son public qui opte pour un doux playlist ancestral. Groupé dans le collectif “Anoka Bagasy”, ces musiciens chanteurs continuent de promouvoir les traits musicaux du pays popularisés dans les années 40. En effet, si ces performeurs sont étrangers à la nouvelle génération, celle d’avant s’en souvient, car leurs chansons sont immortelles. À l’exemple de celle de l’interprète de “Gasikara”, du groupe Telofangady. Une belle chanson de nostalgie, en effet, cette ballade a traversé le temps et fait toujours aussi sensation dans les cœurs des Malagasy et surtout ceux se trouvant à l'Etranger. Des voix et des hommes. Pour cette première scène de la nouvelle année, un répertoire de nostalgie retentira dans ce lieu de diversité événementielle pour renouer avec les mélodies de l’enfance, de la jeunesse et de la maturité. Pour un petit rappel, “Anoka Bagasy” est un groupe de musiciens chanteurs issus de différents groupes de musique performant souvent dans la capitale et ont fait de leur amour pour la musique, une préservation de la culture.&nbsp;Ainsi, une partition de chants folkloriques locaux vont rappeler aux spectateurs la beauté de la diversité du genre musical à Madagascar. Ainsi, ce ne sera pas seulement une découverte, mais plutôt un retissage de liens avec le public malagasy. Des guitares, une valiha, un des instruments emblématiques du pays, une percussion, mais surtout des voix d’hommes mélodieuses à l’unisson.&nbsp;La soirée débutera à 15h et promet d'être un mélange de souvenirs, de mélancolies ou encore de retrouvailles avec ceux qui ont toujours bercé leur musique à bon nombre de Malagasy. Govina DAMYIndependent Reporter1er Fevrier 2024Antananarivo, MadagascarPhoto: Anoka Bagasy.&nbsp;&nbsp;


A l'accoutumée, à chaque fin de la semaine, les mélomanes et fêtards malagasy se retrouvent pour de détendre après les longues journées professionnelles. Entre amis ou en famille, c'est une culture qui a déjà existé bien longtemps. Les sorties en cabaret, en boîte de nuit ou en soirées privées sont des habitudes qui font animer les coins de rue de la capitale. 

Anoka Bagasy , Une scène de fraternité musicale

IR : Professeur Rasoloarison, après la crise politique qui a conduit Madagascar à un gouvernement de&nbsp;transition en 2009 et à la création soudaine d'un nouveau parti politique, le régime HVM, en 2013, Madagascar est-il prêt pour une nouvelle transition? PR : Eh bien, quand on parle de transition politique ou de gouvernement provisoire, cela signifie qu'il y a un régime en place qui détient et contrôle tous les pouvoirs d'une manière non démocratique. C'est là que l'expression "transition" prend tout son sens. Tout a commencé en 1972 avec la manifestation des étudiants demandant au président Philibert Tsiranana de quitter son poste au cours de son second mandat. Ils criaient sur tous les toits qu’il était un dictateur. Le même événement a conduit le pays à une autre manifestation "anti-dictateur" en 1991, et la récente manifestation&nbsp;a eu lieu en 2009, comme vous l'avez mentionné, avec le même régime dictatorial sur toutes les lèvres. Et nous voici en 2023, nous entendons à nouveau le même mot. La question est de savoir pourquoi nous avons besoin d'une transition politique? IR : S'agit-il d'un besoin ou d'un manque de maîtrise politique ? PR : Ecoutez, les Malagasy, surtout les politiciens malagasy, sont habitués à cette pensée culturelle du consensus à tous les niveaux. C'est comme si on avait foi en ce consensus pour diriger le pays afin d'éviter tout malentendu. Cela veut dire que s'il y a un régime qui ne respecte pas du tout le système démocratique, il sera anti-démocratique pour lui d'organiser des élections. De ce fait, les partis politiques vont réfléchir et proposer un consensus avant d'organiser une élection. Mais ce que j'ai compris, c'est que la structure de transition sera le point focal de la décision d’ensemble d'organiser des élections. En fait, personne ne sera priviligié. Alors, la structure de transition politique est-elle bonne ou mauvaise pour la nation?&nbsp;C'est le point important de notre discussion. IR : Oui, mais après 15 ans de la dernière structure de gouvernement intérimaire, les séquelles sont toujours là, nous ne nous en sommes pas encore remis, comment pouvons-nous gérer la vie sociale malgache si d'une manière ou d'une autre le régime actuel annonce une nouvelle transition? PR : Vous savez, si nous regardons la vie quotidienne des Malagasy, dans l'ensemble, d’accord ? Les gens luttent du jour le jour. Et si nous allons vers un autre gouvernement provisoire, je pense que ce sera un changement énorme et dangereux. La vie des gens sera plus compliquée qu'elle ne l'est actuellement. Et ce ne sera pas dans l'intérêt des gens. Nous devons ,donc, réfléchir plus profondément à la manière d'organiser des élections démocratiques. De cette manière, le régime en place ne devra pas organiser ces élections pour son profit personnel, mais plutôt pour éviter les troubles civils. C'est ce qui a été fait en 1991, lorsque le régime a donné aux associations indépendantes la liberté de contrôler toute l'organisation des élections. Là, on peut être sûr que les troubles seront réduits. Pour l'instant, l'organisation n'est pas claire. En ce qui concerne la liste électorale, il y a des complications. Antananarivo est la capitale de Madagascar, donc on peut dire que la liste électorale est sous contrôle, mais il y a toujours des choses comme des noms mal écrits, des noms qui ne sont pas enregistrés. Tout le monde sait que les gens sont fatigués de la politique. Ils ne veulent même pas vérifier la véracité de leur nom. IR : Cette frustration est-elle due à une négligence ou à un simple ras-le-bol ?&nbsp; PR : Ils ne croient plus en aucune structure politique. Les gens sont épuisés. Ils luttent pour survivre chaque jour. Comment peuvent-ils avoir la motivation de vérifier leurs noms ? IR : Combien de transitions le système politique malgache a-t-il dû traverser avant de devenir aussi désespéré ? PR : De 1972 à 1975, ce qui a conduit à la deuxième République. De 1991 à 1993, ce qui nous a conduit à la troisième République. Et nous avons également eu 2009, qui nous a conduit à la quatrième République. Chaque fois que le pays change de République, il y a toujours une transition. Au total, nous avons eu trois gouvernements provisoires ou transitions politiques. Donc, si nous avons une nouvelle transition, est-ce qu'elle mènera à une autre République ou est-ce que ce sera juste une structure transitoire pour organiser des élections ? IR : Cela figure-t-il dans la loi constitutionnelle ou s'agit-il d'une décision facile à prendre ?&nbsp; PR : La raison pour laquelle la structure politique de transition est transformée en République est que le gouvernement intérimaire élabore une nouvelle Constitution pour mettre en place la nouvelle République. Le gouvernement intérimaire est convaincu que l'ancienne Constitution n'a pas bien fonctionné et qu'elle doit donc être modifiée. La nouvelle Constitution sera la Constitution de la nouvelle République. Donc si, en cette période d'élections, on peut penser que c'est le moment de mettre en place une structure de transition, des questions se posent : la structure de transition est-elle créée en vue des élections ou pour modifier la loi constitutionnelle afin de parvenir à une autre République ? IR : Mais pourquoi toujours la changer, est-ce que cela montre que le système politique malagasy est faible ou non maîtrisé ?&nbsp; PR : Pourquoi ? Parce que, si on regarde la Loi constitutionnelle qui a suivi ici, elle a toujours mis en avant le système présidentiel. Pour améliorer cela, le système présidentiel doit être revu, mais dès qu'un nouveau président prend ses fonctions, le même système présidentiel est utilisé à nouveau. C'est pourquoi nous avons encore cette structure transitoire qui demande que la structure existante soit modifiée. Mais dans ce pays, les gens ne comprennent pas la signification des termes "pouvoir" et "gouvernement". L'idée sous-jacente n'est pas claire pour eux. C'est parce que le mot "GOUVERNEMENT" est mal compris qu'on le confond avec la notion de "POUVOIR". Tout le monde s'accorde à dire que le Président de la République a tous les pouvoirs, qu'il décide de tout ce qui concerne le pays.&nbsp;Mais encore une fois, il faut que ceux qui dirigent ce pays maîtrisent ce que sont le pouvoir républicain et la structure démocratique.&nbsp;&nbsp;Govina DAMYJournaliste indépendant19 Juin 2023.Antananarivo, Madagascar. Remerciements au Professeur Jeannot Rasoloarison.&nbsp;&nbsp; Photo&nbsp;: Razanamparany Andrianirina Raymond Bernard


Déjà relayée par les médias, l'opinion publique commence à s'interroger sur une nouvelle transition cette année, même si le gouvernement actuel souligne que la campagne présidentielle aura bien lieu. Confirmé ou non, en route ou non, le Professeur Jeannot Rasoloarison, enseignant-chercheur au Département d'Histoire de Madagascar, a accepté de donner sa propre version de la situation politique malgache actuelle.

 "Une nouvelle transition ne serait pas dans l'intérêt des Malagasy!", Pr. Jeannot Rasoloarison.

Grand paradoxe existentiel. Une des premières destinations touristiques de la planète Terre, Madagascar fait rêver plus d’une personne car il n’a rien à envier à d’autres îles. Qualifiée d’unique, la Grande île attire de plus en plus d’investisseurs et des multinationales internationaux tellement il y a encore une multitude de choses à y faire. En effet, après les soixante-quatre (64) longues années de colonisation, cela semble de plus en plus compliqué pour les habitants de ce pays insulaire de se relever. Les riches s’enrichissent, les moyens restent dans leur simple confort résilient, et les démunis survivent. Mais encore, les traces de la génération colonisatrice piétinent la génération actuelle qui rêvasse de lui ressembler. Chaque année, des milliers de sortants diplômés arrivent sur le marché de l’emploi. Ceci explique le taux de chômage exponentiel, et l’ultime option est de se frayer un chemin pour l’Extérieur. «&nbsp;Je suis en train de préparer mes papiers pour aller à l’étranger, n’importe où sauf ici. Je ne sais pas si je vais passer ou pas, mais je ferais tout pour partir. Ma mère a puisé dans son économie pour ce voyage, je n’ai pas le droit de le faillir.», dixit Heriniaina D., &nbsp;nouveau bachelier. En réalité, si ce jeune homme veut à tout prix partir, c’est parce qu’il espère un avenir prospère en France, l’autre pays, jadis, persécuteur. Cependant, pendant que certains préparent leurs passeports, leurs papiers administratifs, trouver un garant potentiel, et prier pour un rendez-vous à temps au TLS Contact, d’autres voyant la potentialité du pays font les mêmes démarches pour s’y installer. &nbsp;N'importe où sauf Madagascar. Cela peut être, certainement, vu telle une belle relation diplomatique entre Madagascar et la France, mais semble inégale. Car les valeurs ajoutées n’apportent pas à l’un, mais plutôt à l’autre. Dans ce sens, les Malagasy vont à l’extérieur pour travailler, passer des vacances pour ceux ayant les moyens, se marier pour ceux ayant trouvé l’amour ou le «&nbsp;jackpot&nbsp;», ou ils sont boursiers, etc. Si l’on se réfère aux quelques personnes interviewées localement, la majorité veut partir et laisser le pays entre les mains de ceux croyant encore à son développement. Sauf qu’il existe des milliers de raisons pour lesquelles un citoyen malagasy décide d’abandonner pour mieux vivre. «&nbsp;Je suis partie car j’ai travaillé dans un domaine qui ne se concordait pas aux études que j’avais faites. En plus, le salaire était modique. Mon rêve était de partir pour l’Allemagne, la Suisse, l’Autriche, le Lichtenstein. Quoique, j’ai dû économiser de l’argent, et ma famille m’a aidée pour ce faire, car mes salaires réunis durant des années n’ont pas pu m’offrir ce dont je voulais. Actuellement, je rentre plutôt en Allemagne, mais pas à Madagascar. Je n’avais pas du tout pensé à me marier avec un étranger, mais me voilà&nbsp;», indique M.L étudiante et résidente dans la capitale allemande. Les motifs du départ sont, généralement, pour le bien des enfants, et qu’ils ne partent pas de leur propre gré, mais forcés par la vie, et particulièrement par le système qui ne favorise pas le bien de la population. D’autres ont vendu héritage car la poche financière ne leur permette pas. &nbsp;Plusieurs d’entre eux ont économisé durant, certains ont emprunté de l’argent, mais si le traditionnel malagasy rentre toujours au pays, d’autres ne veulent qu’y passer des vacances et retourner ailleurs. Ils sont devenus «&nbsp;la Diaspora&nbsp;». &nbsp;Aux environs de 250.000 éparpillés dans le monde. Toutefois, ils ne sont pas les seuls, ceux que l’on a posé les questions au centre –ville d’Analakely sont assez clairs dans leurs propos, ils ne pensent plus avoir un meilleur lendemain en restant dans ce pays. Celui-ci, nous allons le dénommer Martin R, homme de 47 ans, marié et a quatre enfants. «&nbsp;Mes parents ont tout fait pour que je quitte Madagascar. Ils ont vendu des héritages, ils ont usé de leurs connaissances. Mais, en vain.&nbsp;Je pense que je ne suis pas chanceux. Je voudrais que mes enfants y fassent leur carrière et rentrer s’ils veulent. Vous savez, j’ai des amis qui sont partis. Ce sont des vrais «&nbsp;vazaha&nbsp;» aujourd’hui.&nbsp;», raconte-t-il. Des vrais «&nbsp;Vazaha&nbsp;», en effet, pour signifier des véritables hommes blancs ou des véritables français. L’on voit sur son visage, la déception et la désolation. Ceci étant, Madagascar se vide de plus en plus de son jeune espoir qui est très prisé ailleurs, surtout ceux qui sont dans l’informatique et la technologie. Néanmoins, certains Malagasy se présentent comme regrettant cette colonisation qui a tant décimé dans son pays. Aux environs de 250.000 Malagasy sont éparpillés un peu partout dans le monde, selon la direction de la Diaspora au sein du Ministère des Affaires Etrangères. Seulement, d’après le premier responsable de ce département, il se peut qu’il y en ait beaucoup plus, mais souvent, ils sont en situation irrégulière. «&nbsp;Les Malagasy n’aiment pas s’enregistrer au Consulat, ils ont peur de l’administration. Et cela peut être de la simple ignorance, négligence qui les mène à une situation irrégulière dû à leur séjour expiré ou autres raisons. Et si jamais, ils ont été victimes d’une injustice, ou d’abus, et bien, c’est toujours difficile pour le Consulat de s’en charger, car il n’y a rien concernant ces derniers.&nbsp;» Effectivement, c’est essentiel de passer par le Consulat pour avoir une carte consulaire attestant leur séjour pour leur protection. &nbsp;&nbsp;84% en France. Dans le registre de ce ministre, le pourcentage des Malagasy résidant à l’extérieur se répartit comme ceci&nbsp;; 84 % en France, 5% aux Comores, 3% au Canada, 1%, en l’Italie et 1% en Belgique. Pour l’Archipel des Comores, il existe des clandestins venant surtout de la ville de Mahajanga qui sont enregistrés nulle part passant par voyage maritime. «&nbsp;Nous ne sommes pas tous des clandestins ici, mais, effectivement, il y a des Malagasy , principalement, ceux originaires de la Région Boeny qui vivent là sans documents administratifs légaux. L’on ignore comment ils ont fait pour passer la douane. », indique une source anonyme joint sur Messenger de la Grande Comores. &nbsp;En 2022, il y a aux environs 100.000 Malagasy en France. Ils sont définis comme des travailleurs immigrants. En Europe, ce sont les étudiants qui gonflent ces chiffres. Dans le continent africain, c’est plus les diligents du secteur privé qui sont au premier rang de la liste.&nbsp;Aux Amériques, en Asie, et dans la région de l’Océan indien&nbsp;; île Maurice et île Mayotte, ce sont plus de travailleurs domestiques, des mains d’œuvres et des universitaires. «&nbsp;L’île Maurice est en train de ramasser toutes les mains-d’œuvre du pays. Nous venons ici car le salaire est bien loin tentant et loin devant de celui proposé à Madagascar, même avec la même boite. &nbsp;Néanmoins, la donne a changé, aujourd’hui, même les valeurs sûres du pays sont beaucoup mieux traitées ici. Nous n’aurons, certainement, pas le même traitement que les Mauriciens, mais c’est beaucoup plus mieux.&nbsp;», selon une autre source originaire de Madagascar résident dans cette île voisine. &nbsp;Perspective d’avenir incertain. Pour en savoir plus de ces départs massifs, sociologue Raoelison Gabriel Harimamy nous a donnés sa version, «&nbsp;Les Malagasy quittent Madagascar car il n’y a plus de perspective d’avenir.&nbsp;La réussite éducative ne garantit plus ni la réussite professionnelle, ni financière. Les jeunes veulent fuir la situation, la corruption, le trafic d’influence, et l’extérieur représente un rêve de meilleurs horizons. ». &nbsp;Il y a majoritairement 61% de femmes, contre 39% des hommes, à l’étranger. &nbsp;Et la plupart de ceux qui veulent partir sont plus des femmes. D’après cette même direction, ce sont les études qui ont commencé l’histoire de la diaspora malagasy, puis vient le travail. «&nbsp;La diaspora malagasy est hautement qualifiée, mais très silencieuse, elle est, d’ailleurs, la première diaspora sub-saharienne en France, devant le Sénégal.&nbsp;», atteste le même responsable.&nbsp;Elle intervient entre autres dans le secteur public et le secteur privé. Pour le premier, il s’agit, apparemment, de soutien à l’éducation, de la lutte contre la corruption, de la bonne gouvernance, de la santé, de l’agriculture, de l’appui bénévolat, ou encore du transfert de compétences. Et pour le deuxième, il s’agit plutôt de l’immobilier, la TIC, de l’artisanat, du commerce, ou encore de l’environnement. &nbsp;En outre, il existe aussi des situations où c’est le Malagasy même qui dissuade le retour au bled.&nbsp;C’est le cas de Mme A.O, ancienne diaspora de la Grande Comores, son retour fut tout un débat. «&nbsp;Le jour où mon entourage a su que je me préparai pour rentrer à Madagascar, tout le monde me l’a déconseillée, voire, dissuadée. On m’a dit que les gens risquaient leur vie pour quitter, et moi, pourquoi je voudrais y retourner&nbsp;? Ce fut un déclic, et cela m’a donnée plus envie de rentrer. », s’est-elle exprimée, joint sur WhatsApp. &nbsp;Direction de la diaspora. En définition, la Diaspora est une appellation de l’ensemble d’une communauté venant du même pays, résidant, travaillant, ou vivant dans un autre pays. &nbsp;C’est un capital humain potentiel pour leur pays d’origine si elle arrive à se réunir et à se transformer en une poignée de force. Ces dernières années, la diaspora commence de plus en plus à investir au pays. La communauté malagasy d’outre-continent comme le Canada, l’île Maurice, les Seychelles en collaboration avec le Gouvernement en place de 2013 a sorti le décret portant sur la suspension des travailleurs émigrants au Moyen-Orient avec les abus dont ils ont subi. D’après les explications de cette même direction, les travailleurs domestiques enregistrés au Liban sont de 500 dont 300 illégaux. &nbsp;Pour le travail au Canada, la plupart du temps, cela passe par l’Ambassade concernée, c’est à elle de contrôler, de surveiller le demandeur. Une fois que tout cela est effectué, le Ministère des Affaires Etrangères passe à l’action pour les paperasses administratives, ensuite, ils iront au Ministère du travail, de l’emploi, de la Fonction publique, de lois sociales. Puis, le MAE donne le Visa après avoir bien lu et approuvé le contrat visé par l’Ambassade de Madagascar au Canada pour l’enregistrement pré-consulaire. Selon cette direction, sa mission entre dans la mobilisation pour le développement de Madagascar, l’assistance et la protection, la négociation des soucis diplomatiques, le respect des droits humains s’il y a incarcération quelque part, l’évacuation sanitaire, etc. &nbsp;D’après un autre témoignage, une femme regrette de ne pas être allée plutôt, car c’est toujours mieux d’être ailleurs dans tous les sens du terme. Nonobstant, les Malagasy n’oublient pas leur patrie peu importe où ils trouvent. En résumé, les témoignages ont démontré que si le système changeait et améliorait la vie de la population, personne ne serait parti, il n’y a pas mieux que chez soi. Dans tous les cas, si tout le monde partait, qui resterait&nbsp;et prendrait soin de Madagascar ? Govina DAMY Independent Reporter 02 Septembre 2023 Antananarivo, Madagascar. Photo&nbsp;: Razanamparany Andrianirina Raymond Bernard

Des papiers souvent préfabriqués, des préparatifs coûtant presque l’économie d’une vie, des retours à zéro pour avoir le meilleur. Aujourd’hui, nombreux Malagasy quittent l’une des plus belles îles et l’une des plus convoitées au monde, Madagascar, pour une semblance d’un avenir beaucoup plus prometteur. La plupart d’entre eux vont être dans la main-d’œuvre comme agent de maison, des métiers souvent dénigrants et dénigrés au pays, mais qui valent mieux côté salaire dans d’autres. Pour les plus chanceux, ils signeront des CDD, Contrats à Durée Déterminée.  En effet, si le Malagasy avait le moyen, il serait longtemps parti, car les quelques interviewés dans le centre-ville d’Antananarivo, neuf (9) sur dix (10) voudraient emballer leur valise pour aller en France, premier choix de destination. « Andafy », signifiant littéralement « à l’étranger », devient une convoitise, voire, une quête pour nombreux jeunes n’ayant plus d’espoir pour et dans leur propre pays. 

Départ exponentiel des Malagasy, Le système oblige l’« Andafy »

From 1,700 Ariary to 1,000 Ariary in Two Weeks Farmers in Belobaka are currently harvesting vary asotry or vary aloha, a rice variety sown between June and August 2025. This early cultivation is intended to anticipate the maintso ahitra period (rice growth) and, above all, to finance the 2026 agricultural season. This year, however, the strategy has failed. “At the beginning of November, the price was still normal, at 1,700 Ariary per kilo. As soon as the harvest began, collectors suddenly lowered the price to 1,000 Ariary,” says Eline, a mother of a family. “With such a low price, it is almost impossible to prepare for the next season. I had to borrow money from a relative, with interest,” she laments. In Madagascar, despite the presence of investment banks and financial institutions, access to credit remains extremely limited for small-scale farmers, forcing them to rely on informal and risky financing solutions. Faced with this situation, local authorities have taken no concrete action. No regulatory or protection mechanisms have been introduced. “The drop in prices is partly due to the poor condition of the roads. And in a liberal economy, the State cannot intervene,” explains a representative of the Bongolava Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This justification has been poorly received by farmers, especially since road rehabilitation works were carried out this year in the municipality as part of a regional project. Collectors Accused of Abuses Located just 70 kilometers from the district of Tsiroanomandidy, or about three hours by road, Belobaka remains relatively accessible. Yet collectors-mostly from the neighboring district of Imeritsiatosika-cite logistical difficulties to justify the price drop. Comparisons with other regions raise serious questions. In Maevatanana, a rice collector claims that the price of paddy rice remains stable at around 1,800 Ariary per kilo. Meanwhile, in Antananarivo’s markets, the price of a kapoaka of white rice ranges between 800 and 1,000 Ariary, depending on quality. Since one kilo of paddy yields approximately 3.5 cup of white rice, the gap between what farmers receive and urban market prices is striking. “We are in total hardship. We sell our rice at a very low price, but we buy basic necessities at exorbitant prices,” complains another mother of a family. “Last year, it wasn’t like this. Maybe the collectors are taking advantage of political instability. We don’t know where this ‘refoundation’ is leading us,” she adds. The rural municipality of Belobaka is the main rice-producing area in the Bongolava region. More than 90% of the population depends directly on rice farming, the economic and social backbone of the community. Without swift intervention-whether institutional or regulatory-this price collapse could have long-term consequences: widespread indebtedness, reduced future production, and worsening rural poverty.&nbsp;Kanto KennedyIndependent Reporter22 December 2025Antananarivo, MadagascarThanks to our collaborators Photo: Andry Jacques Bruel / Independent Reporter - IR / Madagascar 2025&nbsp;

In the rural municipality of Belobaka, in Madagascar’s Bongolava region, rice collectors are taking advantage of the national situation to impose extremely low prices on farmers. Within just two weeks, the price of a kilo of paddy rice has fallen from 1,700 Ariary to 1,000 Ariary, plunging producers into an alarming economic situation. This sudden drop threatens the stability of a community already weakened by insecurity and the lack of public support.



Local Rice Prices in Belobaka: Collectors Impose 1,000 Ariary per Kilo, Strangling Farmers

Acting in the Face of Crises and Sharing Experience For Viviane Rahariniaina, this new edition primarily allows her voice to reach a wider audience. “This text was born from the field, from the realities I experience every day,” she explains. The book opens with a global assessment: economic crises, persistent inequalities, declining citizen trust. In the face of these challenges, she asks: how can one act when room for maneuver seems limited? “Hope is not an abstract feeling. It is a daily construction, often fragile, but necessary,” she writes. The chapters trace her journey, from creating citizen collectives to local initiatives, highlighting the central role of education and social entrepreneurship. Clear-sighted, she also shares her resistances, doubts, and failures: “Building hope is not about waiting for things to change; it’s about accepting to act within existing constraints.” At the crossroads of testimony and manifesto, the book calls for refusing resignation and viewing each local initiative as a political act. “Refusing the unacceptable is already a form of resistance,” she affirms. Collective action transforms individual vulnerabilities into shared strengths. As a social entrepreneur and founder of Fleurs Éveillées Madagascar, Viviane Rahariniaina positions this work within the continuity of her engagement with women, youth, and local communities. “I wanted this book to be useful, not just read,” she says. Published by L’Harmattan, Building Hope now reaches an international audience, demonstrating that civic engagement can bring real change when sustained over time. “Writing is another way to act. If this book can encourage even one person to move from intention to action, it will have fulfilled its mission.” Lucas Rahajaniaina Independent Reporter December 19, 2025 Antananarivo, MadagascarThanks to our collaborators Photo provided by Viviane Rahariniaina/Independent Reporter-IR/Madagascar/2025

Through her book, Viviane Rahariniaina places Malagasy civic engagement at the heart of the international debate. Available since December 4 in L’Harmattan bookstores in France, Building Hope: An Act of Resistance marks a new milestone in Viviane Rahariniaina’s journey. Initially self-published, the book now appears in an enriched edition, revised in collaboration with the publisher. Across twenty chapters, the author examines civic engagement as a response to social crises and inequalities, drawing on her field experience in Madagascar.



Bâtir l’Espoir : Viviane Rahariniaina’s Book Sparks Debate

Addressing Health and Environmental Challenges In Madagascar, many women still rely on industrial menstrual products, which contain high amounts of plastic and sometimes traces of dioxins. These products pose health risks, especially with prolonged use, and contribute to massive plastic pollution, worsening the environmental crisis on the island. Women aged 15 to 45 are the most affected, highlighting the urgent need for safer and more sustainable alternatives. SEBIO draws on ancestral knowledge: before industrial products arrived, Malagasy women used cyperus, an aquatic plant with absorbent and antibacterial properties. The startup modernizes this approach by combining cyperus and banana fibers, offering biodegradable, comfortable, and women’s health-friendly sanitary protection. "My personal experience with harmful menstrual products, combined with conversations with other women in my community, revealed a pressing need for safer solutions," explains Andriambelozaka Tianasoa Avotriniaina Liane, co-founder of the startup. For context, the African Climate Innovation Challenge (ACIC) is an annual competition designed to support young African entrepreneurs in developing innovative solutions to combat climate change. The event provides winners with funding, personalized incubation programs, and mentorship, enabling them to scale their high-impact projects. In 2025, the final brought together participants from several African countries, showcasing the continent’s diversity and potential: Madagascar (SEBIO), Morocco (Jafife), Togo (Rôbalôtô), Cameroon (EcoFibre), Kenya (Zuripacks, Pollen Patrollers), Nigeria (Trashcoin), Uganda (Helton Traders Limited), Ghana (Eastern Freshaura), and Sierra Leone (Greentech Bioenergy). Women’s Economic Empowerment These projects span a wide range of innovations: reducing plastic pollution, transforming agricultural waste into energy or sustainable packaging, combating food waste, and protecting pollinators for resilient food systems. Together, they demonstrate the dynamism of African youth and their ability to propose practical solutions to environmental challenges. Beyond the ecological aspect, SEBIO supports the economic empowerment of local women: each pad is sewn by Malagasy seamstresses, creating jobs and highlighting local craftsmanship. Laboratory testing has optimized absorption and texture, ensuring a reliable solution suited to the daily needs of women, whether they study, work, or move freely. Environmentally, SEBIO helps reduce plastic waste flows in Madagascar, a critical issue for the island facing alarming plastic pollution. The project exemplifies how local innovation and sustainability can come together to address societal and climate challenges. Looking ahead, the initiative plans to expand its product range: wipes, reusable underwear and menstrual products, tampons, and adult diapers. This expansion will allow SEBIO to reach a broader market while keeping sustainability at the heart of its operations. By combining traditional knowledge, local innovation, and environmental responsibility, SEBIO illustrates the potential of African entrepreneurship to transform societies sustainably, while contributing to pollution reduction and the improvement of women’s health. Govina DAMYIndependent ReporterDecember 19, 2025Antananarivo, MadagascarThanks to our collaborators Photo: SEBIO / Independent Reporter-IR / Madagascar / 2025&nbsp;

During the African Climate Innovation Challenge (ACIC) 2025, held on November 29 in Kampala, Uganda, a Malagasy project captured significant attention: SEBIO, a startup combining innovation, women’s health, and environmental protection. Led by two passionate co-founders, the project develops biodegradable sanitary pads made from cyperus and banana fibers, inspired by traditional Malagasy knowledge while addressing modern sustainability challenges.



Women, Health, and the Planet: SEBIO Reinvents Menstrual Protection in Africa

De 1 700 Ar à 1 000 Ar en deux semaines Les paysans de Belobaka sont actuellement en pleine récolte du vary asotry ou vary aloha, un riz semé entre juin et août 2025. Cette culture précoce permet d’anticiper la période de maintso ahitra (croissance du riz) et surtout de financer la campagne agricole de 2026. Mais cette année, le calcul ne tient plus. « Le prix était encore normal début novembre, à 1 700 Ar le kilo. Dès que la récolte a commencé, les collecteurs ont brusquement baissé le prix à 1 000 Ar », témoigne Eline, mère de famille. « Avec un prix aussi bas, il est presque impossible de préparer la prochaine saison. J’ai dû emprunter de l’argent à un proche, avec des intérêts. » , se désole -t- elle. &nbsp;À Madagascar, en effet, malgré la présence de banques d’investissement et d’institutions financières, l’accès au crédit reste extrêmement limité pour les petits exploitants agricoles, contraints de se tourner vers des solutions informelles et risquées. Face à cette situation, les autorités locales brillent par leur inaction. Aucun dispositif de régulation ou de protection des producteurs n’a été mis en place. « La baisse des prix est en partie liée à l’état dégradé des routes. Et dans un pays à économie libérale, l’État ne peut pas intervenir », explique un représentant de la Chambre de Commerce et de l’Industrie de Bongolava. Une justification qui passe mal auprès des paysans, d’autant plus que des travaux de réhabilitation routière ont été réalisés cette année dans la commune, dans le cadre d’un projet régional. Des collecteurs accusés d’abus Située à seulement 70 km du district de Tsiroanomandidy, soit environ trois heures de route, Belobaka reste relativement accessible. Pourtant, les collecteurs - majoritairement originaires du district voisin d’Imeritsiatosika - invoquent les difficultés logistiques pour justifier la chute des prix. La comparaison avec d’autres régions soulève toutefois des interrogations. À Maevatanana, un collecteur affirme que le kilo de paddy se négocie toujours autour de 1 800 Ar. Pendant ce temps, sur les marchés d’Antananarivo, le prix du kapoaka de riz blanc varie entre 800 et 1 000 Ar, selon la qualité. Sachant qu’un kilo de paddy produit environ 3,5 kapoaka de riz blanc, l’écart entre le prix payé aux paysans et celui pratiqué sur les marchés urbains interroge. « On est dans la galère totale. On vend notre riz à bas prix, mais on achète les produits de première nécessité à des prix exorbitants », se lamente une autre mère de famille. « L’an dernier, ce n’était pas comme ça. Peut-être que les collecteurs profitent de l’instabilité politique. On ne sait pas où nous mène cette refondation. » avance-t-elle. &nbsp;La commune rurale de Belobaka est pourtant le premier bassin rizicole de la région Bongolava. Plus de 90 % de la population dépend directement de la riziculture, pilier économique et social de la communauté. Sans intervention rapide - qu’elle soit institutionnelle ou réglementaire - cette chute des prix pourrait avoir des conséquences durables : endettement massif, baisse de la production future et aggravation de la précarité rurale. Kanto KennedyIndependent Reporter22 Decembre 2025Antananarivo, MadagascarRemerciements à nos collaborateurs Photo : Andry Jacques Bruel /Copyright/Independent Reporter - IR /Madagascar 2025

Dans la commune rurale de Belobaka, région Bongolava, les collecteurs de riz profitent de la conjoncture nationale pour imposer un prix dérisoire aux producteurs. En l’espace de deux semaines, le kilo de paddy est passé de 1 700 Ar à 1 000 Ar, plongeant les paysans dans une situation économique alarmante. Une chute brutale qui menace l’équilibre d’une communauté déjà fragilisée par l’insécurité et le manque de soutien public.



Prix du riz local à Belobaka : Les collecteurs imposent 1 000 Ar le kilo et étranglent les paysans

Agir face aux crises et partager son expérience Pour Viviane Rahariniaina, cette nouvelle édition permet avant tout de porter sa voix plus loin. « Ce texte est né du terrain, des réalités que je vis chaque jour », explique-t-elle. L’ouvrage s’ouvre sur un constat global : crises économiques, inégalités persistantes, recul de la confiance citoyenne. Face à ces défis, elle interroge : comment agir lorsque les marges de manœuvre semblent limitées ? « L’espoir n’est pas un sentiment abstrait. C’est une construction quotidienne, souvent fragile, mais nécessaire », écrit-elle. Les chapitres retracent son parcours, de la création de collectifs citoyens aux actions locales, en soulignant le rôle central de l’éducation et de l’entrepreneuriat social. Lucide, elle partage aussi ses résistances, ses doutes et ses échecs : « Bâtir l’espoir, ce n’est pas attendre que les choses changent, c’est accepter d’agir avec les contraintes existantes. » À la croisée du témoignage et du manifeste, le livre appelle à refuser la résignation et à considérer chaque initiative locale comme un acte politique. « Refuser l’inacceptable est déjà une forme de résistance », affirme-t-elle. L’action collective transforme alors les vulnérabilités individuelles en forces partagées. Entrepreneure sociale et fondatrice de Fleurs Éveillées Madagascar, Viviane Rahariniaina inscrit cet ouvrage dans la continuité de son engagement auprès des femmes, des jeunes et des communautés locales. « Je voulais que ce livre soit utile, pas seulement lu », confie-t-elle. Publié chez L’Harmattan, Bâtir l’espoir s’adresse désormais à un public international, démontrant que l’engagement citoyen peut produire de réelles transformations lorsqu’il s’inscrit dans la durée. « L’écriture est une autre manière d’agir. Si ce livre peut encourager ne serait-ce qu’une personne à passer de l’intention à l’action, il aura rempli sa mission. » Lucas RahajaniainaIndependent Reporter19 Décembre 2025Antananarivo, MadagascarRemerciements à nos collaborateurs Photo fournie par Viviane Rahariniaina/Independent Reporter-IR&nbsp;/Madagascar /2025

Par son ouvrage, Viviane Rahariniaina inscrit l’engagement citoyen malgache dans le débat international. Disponible depuis le 4 décembre dans les librairies L’Harmattan en France, Bâtir l’espoir : Un acte de résistance marque une nouvelle étape dans le parcours de Viviane Rahariniaina. D’abord autoédité, l’ouvrage paraît aujourd’hui dans une version enrichie, retravaillée avec l’éditeur. À travers vingt chapitres, l’auteure analyse l’engagement citoyen comme réponse aux crises sociales et aux inégalités, en s’appuyant sur son expérience de terrain à Madagascar.



Bâtir l’espoir : L’ouvrage de Viviane Rahariniaina suscite le débat

Une réponse aux défis sanitaires et environnementaux À Madagascar, de nombreuses femmes dépendent encore de protections menstruelles industrielles, contenant de grandes quantités de plastique et parfois des traces de dioxines. Ces produits présentent des risques sanitaires, surtout en cas d’usage prolongé, et contribuent à une pollution plastique massive, aggravant la crise environnementale sur l’île. Les femmes âgées de 15 à 45 ans sont les plus touchées, soulignant l’urgence de proposer des alternatives plus sûres et durables. SEBIO puise dans la mémoire et les pratiques ancestrales : avant l’arrivée des produits industriels, les femmes malgaches utilisaient le cypérus, une plante aquatique aux qualités absorbantes et antibactériennes. La startup modernise cette approche en combinant cypérus et fibres de bananier, offrant ainsi une protection hygiénique biodégradable, confortable et respectueuse de la santé des femmes. « Mon expérience personnelle avec les produits menstruels nocifs, ainsi que les échanges avec d’autres femmes de ma communauté, ont révélé un besoin criant de solutions plus sûres », explique Andriambelozaka Tianasoa Avotriniaina Liane, cofondatrice de la start-up. Pour rappel, l’African Climate Innovation Challenge (ACIC) est une compétition annuelle visant à soutenir les jeunes entrepreneurs africains dans le développement de solutions innovantes pour lutter contre le changement climatique. L’événement offre aux lauréats financement, programme d’incubation personnalisé et mentorat, leur permettant de mettre à l’échelle leurs projets à fort impact. En 2025, la finale a réuni des participants issus de plusieurs pays africains, illustrant la diversité et le potentiel du continent : Madagascar (SEBIO), Maroc (Jafife), Togo (Rôbalôtô), Cameroun (EcoFibre), Kenya (Zuripacks, Pollen Patrollers), Nigeria (Trashcoin), Ouganda (Helton Traders Limited), Ghana (Eastern Freshaura) et Sierra Leone (Greentech Bioenergy). Autonomie économique des femmes Ces projets couvrent une large gamme d’innovations : réduction de la pollution plastique, transformation des déchets agricoles en énergie ou en emballages durables, lutte contre le gaspillage alimentaire, et protection des pollinisateurs pour des systèmes alimentaires résilients. Ensemble, ils montrent le dynamisme de la jeunesse africaine et sa capacité à proposer des solutions concrètes aux défis environnementaux. Au-delà de l’aspect écologique, SEBIO soutient l’autonomie économique des femmes locales : chaque serviette est cousue par des couturières malgaches, créant des emplois et valorisant le savoir-faire local. Les tests en laboratoire ont permis de perfectionner l’absorption et la texture des produits, garantissant une solution fiable et adaptée aux besoins quotidiens des femmes, qu’elles étudient, travaillent ou se déplacent librement. Sur le plan environnemental, il contribue à réduire les flux de plastique à Madagascar, un enjeu crucial pour l’île confrontée à une pollution plastique alarmante. Le projet illustre comment innovation locale et durabilité peuvent s’unir pour répondre à des défis sociétaux et climatiques. Dans le futur, l’initiative prévoit d’élargir sa gamme de produits : lingettes, culottes et protections menstruelles réutilisables, tampons et couches pour adultes. Cette expansion permettra de toucher un marché plus large tout en gardant la durabilité au centre des opérations. En combinant savoirs traditionnels, innovation locale et responsabilité environnementale, SEBIO illustre le potentiel de l’entrepreneuriat africain à changer durablement les sociétés, tout en contribuant à la lutte contre la pollution et au renforcement de la santé des femmes. &nbsp;Govina DAMY Independent Reporter19 Décembre 2025Antananarivo, Madagascar Remerciements à nos collaborateurs Photo: SEBIO/Independent Reporter-IR/Madagascar/2025 &nbsp;

Lors de l’African Climate Innovation Challenge (ACIC) 2025, qui s’est tenu le 29 novembre dernier à Kampala, en Ouganda, un projet malgache a particulièrement retenu l’attention : SEBIO, une startup qui allie innovation, santé des femmes et protection de l’environnement. Porté par deux cofondatrices passionnées, le projet développe des serviettes hygiéniques biodégradables à base de fibres de cypérus et de bananier, s’inspirant d’un savoir-faire traditionnel malgache tout en répondant aux enjeux modernes de durabilité.



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