Madagascar celebrated this Friday, June 26, its independence from France in 1960. But this anniversary is far from being like the previous 59 celebrations. Here is the peculiarity.
“Beginning of the grand parade and review of the troops on Independence Avenue,” President Andry Rajoelina tweeted this morning. Marked in large part by a military parade, this celebration went off without a hitch.
June 26, 2020 – 60th anniversary of the Return of Independence
The Army, bulwark and pride of the Nation. #Madagasikara, My country, my life, my heritage #Madagascar, My Homeland, My Life, My Heritage. pic.twitter.com/gUhP5sOjb7
– Andry Rajoelina (@SE_Rajoelina) June 26, 2020
Beyond the festivities, many Malagasy people take a trip back in time to remember June 26, 1960. It was indeed this Sunday, that floated, at the Mahamasina stadium in Antananarivo and on all 587,041 km² of the former French colony, the white, red and green flag.
It is the result of the agreements concluded a few days before between the first president Philibert Tsiranana and Jean Foyer who represented the French State. Agreements obtained at the price of Malagasy blood as evidenced by the state of siege (1947-1956) which killed more than 10,000 people.
If, like many African countries that have undergone colonization (and even those that have not been colonized), Madagascar is struggling to meet the challenge of its economic development, it is a Big Island that has recently displayed some confidence in wanting to things differently to move forward.
If the covid-organics one day manages to show “the proofs of its effectiveness” to the international health institutions, Madagascar, it will be one more proof that a calamity can turn into an opportunity. It would be the start of medical independence in a country where pharmacies are only stocked with Western products.
On the industrial level, Madagascar now intends to play its part in the field of transport. The country recently concluded a joint-venture agreement with German and Chinese industrialists to produce motorcycles and cars under the brand “Gasycar”.
This sixtieth anniversary takes place in a context where the “Repoblikan’i Madagasikara”, even if the negotiations seem suspended, is on the point of regaining its rights on the Scattered Islands, these islets scattered in the Mozambique Channel. This would be the crowning achievement of nearly 40 years of discussions with the former metropolis.
Ranked among the least developed countries on the planet, it is a Madagascar that wants to fight against its future. It is an understatement to say that Andry Rajoelina believes in it and cares about it like the apple of his eye. “Madagascar is writing a new chapter in its history and forging a new reputation beyond its borders: that of a determined nation, turned towards the future and determined to change the course of its destiny”, wrote on June 23 the Malagasy head of state on Twitter.
Face Africa
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