A reception was held yesterday to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, an event that highlighted the universal values of democracy and liberty.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” This passage from the United States Declaration of Independence was cited yesterday by Stephanie Arnold, Chargé d’Affaires, in her opening remarks at the reception commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
This excerpt set the tone for the diplomat’s address, which emphasized the universal values of democracy, freedom, and the right to self-determination, while underlining their resonance in Madagascar. In her speech, the Chargé d’Affaires emphasized that the American nation was built on the principle that all human beings are born with equal rights and endowed with unalienable liberties.
However, Stephanie Arnold noted that the Founding Fathers of the United States acknowledged that neither they nor the system they established were perfect. It is precisely for this reason, she argued, that the U.S. Constitution was designed to evolve, with the primary objective of strengthening citizens’ rights rather than preserving power.
“They amended the Constitution not to keep leaders in power, but to further strengthen the rights of citizens,” she stated.
Accountability
“One of the greatest contributions of the United States to the world is the peaceful transfer of power and commitment to the electoral process. Free and transparent elections are not just a mode of governance, but a living expression of the fundamental principles upon which the nation was built. Through this process, differences are resolved, and we exercise oversight and demand accountability from our leaders,” the diplomat added.
According to the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, democratic transition also ensures the accountability of leaders, based on the principle that “the people are not at the service of the leaders, but rather, the leaders are at the service of the people.” In a context where Madagascar is emerging from a political crisis and has set the goal of organizing peaceful and universally accepted elections by the end of 2027, Stephanie Arnold’s words may not be coincidental.
“The independence of the United States represents a pivotal moment in the affirmation of universal ideals of liberty, human dignity, and the rights of peoples to self-determination,” said Dr. Herinjatovo Aimé Ramiarison, Minister of Economy and Finance, speaking on behalf of the government. “The government of Madagascar makes citizen participation an essential pillar of its action. It is working to strengthen dialogues with all components of the nation to foster mutual listening and build social peace,” he added.
Furthermore, yesterday’s event also served as an opportunity to highlight 160 years of bilateral cooperation between Madagascar and the United States. Nevertheless, highlighting the current global situation, Minister Ramiarison advocated for strengthening dialogue, diplomacy, and multilateralism, which he described as “essential instruments to preserve peace, promote stability, and collectively address the challenges of our time.”
Garry Fabrice Ranaivoson
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-19 07:30:02 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/anniversaire-de-lindependance.html