August 6, 1896 – August 6, 2026: Exactly 130 years ago today, the French Parliament (Senate and Chamber of Deputies) passed the law declaring Madagascar and its dependencies a French colony. Signed by French President Félix Faure in Brest, the law was only made known in Antananarivo through the ‘Journal Officiel’ on September 27, 1896, following its promulgation by Resident General Hippolyte Laroche.
It is worth noting that the same issue of the ‘Journal Officiel’ also published the decree abolishing slavery in Madagascar, declaring all inhabitants to be free citizens. Two months prior, on July 14, 1896, Madagascar entered a transitional phase—no longer truly independent, yet not fully French. Historical accounts from ‘Ny Gazety Malagasy’ describe the French flag flying over the Rova of Antananarivo, marking a symbolic shift in sovereignty.
The article reflects on the complex historical trajectory from 1896 to 1946 and looks toward 2046, questioning whether future generations of Malagasy, across all ethnic groups, will be able to analyze their history with a calm and impartial mind. The author highlights the importance of education and culture in internalizing the true meaning of the ‘Return of Independence’ celebrated on June 26.
Finally, the text calls for a comprehensive ‘History of Madagascar’ that reaches back to its ancient Austronesian roots, emphasizing the linguistic and cultural depth of the Malagasy people, whose heritage predates the colonial era and remains deeply embedded in their identity.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-06 05:38:58 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/ilay-6-aogositra-1896.html