Jean Valette, an archivist and paleographer, in a study on the death of Prince Ratefinanahary in 1828 following the passing of his brother-in-law, King Radama I, reviews the sources documenting this assassination. Among these is the correspondence of Robert Lyall, a British agent in Antananarivo, addressed to the Governor of Mauritius between 1827 and 1830.
Historians Georges-Sully Chapus and Gustave Mondain noted that these documents provide an extremely important source for the period, as they come from a witness whose accounts have been underutilized. Valette specifically highlights the details surrounding the murder of Ratefy.
According to Lyall’s letter dated September 30, 1828, Ratefy arrived near the capital on September 28. Although initially intercepted by royal soldiers and sent to Tamatave, he was later detained and moved to Ambatomanga. Despite attempts by Rainimahay to intervene, the prince was condemned under military law.
The situation culminated in an assembly at Antsahatsiroa, where Rainimahay, acting as the Queen’s spokesperson, addressed the public. He recounted the events following Radama I’s death and reminded the people of the military laws established since the time of Andrianampoinimerina, which were later strengthened under Radama I to punish desertion or abandonment of posts with death by fire.
Rainimahay pointed out that Ratefy himself had been one of the primary proponents of this harsh law, having vehemently supported its adoption during a previous kabary (assembly). Rainimahay concluded his argument by questioning why Ratefy should be exempt from the very law he had so passionately championed, leading to his eventual execution.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-27 05:39:06 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/une-loi-defendue-avec-ardeur-par-ratefy.html