Resentment Against France Runs Deep in Madagascar

Strategic Insights -

Demonstrations against impeached President Andry Rajoelina have exposed deep-seated resentment against France, the country's former colonial power. Banners reading "France out" and "Rajoelina and Macron out" have made their way onto the streets, echoing the sentiments of many Malagasy people. The negative perception of France is rooted in its history of colonization, marked by atrocities such as the bloody repression of the 1947 uprising, which claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protests against President Rajoelina have highlighted the long-standing resentment towards France, which dates back to its colonial history.
  • Christiane Rafidinarivo, a Paris-based political scientist, stated that France's colonial legacy is still deeply ingrained in the public's perception, and current events often trigger these sentiments.
  • President Emmanuel Macron's refusal to confirm French involvement in Rajoelina's evacuation has raised suspicions of a deal, particularly given the presidential pardon granted to two French nationals jailed in Madagascar.
  • President Rajoelina's ties with Paris have long been criticized, and his alleged attempt to obtain French nationality nine years ago sparked mistrust among the Malagasy people.
  • The citizens' low turnout in the 2023 presidential election and the subsequent criticism against France have further deepened the mistrust.
  • Adrien Ratsimbaharison, author of a book on the 2009 coup, stated that the recognition of Rajoelina as president by French President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2011 and the alleged financing of the 2009 protests have not been forgiven by the Malagasy people.
  • Resentment towards France is also fueled by the awarding of major contracts to French companies, open French sex tourism, and the exploitation of Malagasy workers in French businesses, such as call centers.

Statistics:

  • 1947: The year of a bloody uprising against the French colonial forces, which claimed tens of thousands of lives.
  • 1960: The year of Madagascar's independence from France.
  • 2009: The year of a coup that brought Rajoelina to power, which was recognized by President Nicolas Sarkozy.
  • 2011: The year Sarkozy visited Madagascar and recognized Rajoelina as president.
  • 2023: The year President Rajoelina was accused of trying to obtain French nationality and the low-turnout presidential election.
  • 1897: The year of a massacre of a Malagasy king by the French army, whose remains were taken to France as trophies and recently returned to Madagascar.

Sources:

  • "French President Rajoelina's Impeachment: Why His Ties to Paris Have Sparked Anger in Madagascar" by Christiane Rafidinarivo (Paris-based political scientist)
  • "Malagasy Protests Against Rajoelina Expose Resentment Against France" by AFP
  • "Rajoelina's Chummy Ties with Paris Have Long Been Criticized" by Adrien Ratsimbaharison (author of a book on the 2009 coup)
  • "French Sex Tourism Outrage in Madagascar" by AFP