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Madagascar
MADAGASCAR
Madagascar, officially known as the Republic of Madagascar, is an island country situated off Africa's southeastern coast. It ranks as the fourth-largest island in the world and the second-largest island country. Antananarivo serves as both the capital and the largest city. The island detached from Africa approximately 180 million years ago and from the Indian subcontinent around 90 million years ago. This long period of isolation fostered the development of distinctive plant and animal species, making Madagascar a biodiversity hotspot with over 90% of its wildlife found nowhere else.
In 1750, the ruler of the Kingdom of Betsimisaraka, Bety, ceded Nosy Boraha (Île Sainte-Marie) to France. However, in 1752, a local rebellion led to the massacre of French colonists, causing France to abandon the settlement for half a century, only returning in 1818.
By 1840, Tsiomeko, the ruler of Nosy Be, accepted French protection. France took possession of the island in 1841, and despite an attempt to expel them in 1849, their presence remained. The Berlin Treaty further solidified French influence, with Britain recognizing French claims over Madagascar in exchange for British control over Zanzibar. This culminated in the Franco-Hova War of 1885, where Queen Ranavalona III of Madagascar signed a treaty granting France a protectorate over Diego-Suarez and surrounding territories.
Disputes over the treaty's implementation led to the French invasion of Madagascar in 1895. The unpopular prime minister Rainilaiarivony faced little initial resistance, but subsequent rebellions, notably the Menalamba uprising, prompted France to intensify its control. The arrival of General Gallieni in 1896 marked the start of full colonization, and the queen was exiled to Algeria.
Madagascar saw a significant uprising in 1904-1905, led by various tribes and notable figures like Kotavy. Malagasy troops fought alongside French forces in World War II, and after the fall of France to Nazi Germany in 1940, Madagascar was administered by the Vichy regime until British and Commonwealth forces took control in 1942. The island was then handed over to the Free French Forces in 1943.
The post-war period saw the Madagascar revolt in 1947, which was suppressed by the French government. Reforms followed under the Loi Cadre (Overseas Reform Act) of 1956, paving the way for Madagascar to move peacefully towards independence. The Malagasy Republic was proclaimed on 14 October 1958, and on 26 March 1960, France agreed to full independence, which was officially achieved on 26 June 1960 with Philibert Tsiranana becoming the first president.
The early years of independence, known as the First Republic, saw Tsiranana maintaining close ties with France, with French settlers still holding significant power. However, in 1972, protests against his policies led to his resignation and the rise of General Gabriel Ramanantsoa, who pivoted towards the Soviet Union.
The Second Republic began with the brief presidency of Colonel Richard Ratsimandrava in 1975, followed by Didier Ratsiraka, who led a socialist government. Economic decline and dissatisfaction with his policies eventually forced Madagascar to adopt a more market-oriented approach in the 1980s, though Ratsiraka retained power.
In 1991, a new constitution was adopted, marking the start of the Third Republic. The first multi-party elections in 1993 saw Albert Zafy defeating Ratsiraka, but his presidency struggled with IMF and World Bank guidelines. Zafy's quest for more executive power led to his impeachment in 1996, and Ratsiraka was re-elected, moving further towards capitalism. Opposition grew, leading to the controversial 2001 presidential election and subsequent street clashes. A recount in 2002 declared Marc Ravalomanana president, and Ratsiraka went into exile in France.
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