Among the various colonial governors who succeeded one another in the Great Island, Albert Picquié (January 1910–August 1914) did not leave a very significant mark in the annals of colonization. Jean Fremigacci begins his study on ‘Colonial Development and Forced Labor: The Construction of the Tananarive-Antsirabe (TA) Railway, 1911-1923’ with this observation.
Unlike his ‘noisy’ predecessor Victor Augagneur, Albert Picquié was the victim of a ‘conspiracy of silence’ by his enemies. Among them, his successor Hubert Garbit shamelessly took credit for Picquié’s achievements. According to the study, the bad reputation fabricated by the colonial press was due to his ‘indigenophilia’ (sympathy for the indigenous population). Yet, Jean Fremigacci notes that the decision to build the Tananarive-Antsirabe railway was entirely to the credit of this Governor General.
The project was first submitted to the colony’s Administrative Council on August 30, 1911. Fremigacci believes the enterprise was essential for a ‘sound colonial economic policy.’ At the time, development meant opening communication routes. While his predecessor focused on roads, Picquié shifted the focus back to railway construction, similar to Joseph Simon Gallieni’s approach between 1901 and 1905.
The project was justified by economic arguments, particularly regarding the Vakinankaratra region, described as one of the richest in the colony due to its volcanic soil and mild climate. The region’s population was noted for its vigor and intelligence, particularly in rice cultivation. However, existing transport methods, such as ox-carts, were deemed inefficient and anti-economic, especially during the rainy season, making the railway a necessary infrastructure for the region’s agricultural export potential.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-05 05:38:33 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/albert-picquie-deteste-par-les-journaux.html