Before leaving Madagascar, the French Resident-General Hippolyte Laroche promulgated the law of September 26, 1896, on the abolition of slavery in Madagascar. Immediately, many authors, relying on truncated quotes or their own imaginations, either labeled him irresponsible or exaggerated his actions beyond measure, often applying concepts of slavery foreign to the Malagasy context, as noted by historians Bakoly Domenichini-Ramiaramanana and Jean-Pierre Domenichini.
These authors often ignore that Laroche had previously commissioned a local study on the institution of slavery in Imerina. This study revealed that not all slaves were destitute, nor were all masters cruel. Consequently, many freed slaves chose to remain with their former masters, as evidenced by a circular from Prime Minister Rasanjy on November 2, 1896.
At the time of abolition, the total value of slaves in Imerina was estimated at 22 million francs. The French administration sought to mitigate the economic impact by promising no extraordinary war taxes on the Malagasy people. Furthermore, the confiscation of property from the Menalamba insurgents allowed the government to provide land concessions to those who suffered financial hardship due to the abolition.
In his final report on October 8, 1896, after handing over power to General Joseph Simon Gallieni, Laroche proudly stated that the emancipation decree had been published in Tananarive and the provinces without causing any unrest. While some, like Prince Ramahatra, expressed concern over the behavior of some freed slaves, historians suggest this reflected deep-seated social hierarchies rather than actual disorder, noting that the abolition was ultimately framed as a necessary step for Madagascar to join the progress of civilized nations.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-18 05:39:22 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/la-grande-fierte-dhippolyte-laroche.html