Last Thursday, September 4 at 4 p.m., the Alliance Française of Toliara hosted an interesting seminar on the theme: “Economic decolonization of Madagascar” presented by Dr. Chrysologue Andriamiaroson.
The historian-teacher-researcher from the University of Antsiranana has traced the historical itinerary and the pivotal episodes that the country has gone through since the second half of the 1940s. According to him, “ Madagascar drastically participated in the economic war effort during the Second World War. At the end of the latter, many populations find themselves victims of exploitation, particularly in agricultural areas. It is precisely for this reason that the so-called productive areas of the island became regions of political-economic tensions between the colonial administration and the peasants, during the march towards independence. This is a process that is still established to this day, this is due to colonization which has left its mark on the organization in place.”
Dependence
Foreign domination bred fluctuation and instability during the six decades of independence. “ Most Malagasy people, especially farmers, still say they are victims of economic colonization “, he argued. The historian does not limit himself to recounting or analyzing the facts. As a researcher, he proposes resolutions by drawing up perspectives. Therefore, breaking the pattern outlined by the ex-colonizers would be an effective way to achieve real independence. In addition, Dr. Chrysologue Andriamiaroson highlights the importance of education “ because it turns out that most of the populations which constitute the dominated class are illiterate “. This phenomenon has reached such a point that the ultra-capitalist oligarchs with a stranglehold on the economy dare to take bread from the mouths of the common people, particularly the peasants. Moreover, resources must be exploited optimally. So to promote its wealth, it is imperative for Madagascar to adopt internal development methods.
The teacher-researcher also highlighted the persistence of an assistantship mentality. This culture subtly instilled by the former colonial powers contributes to impoverishment. “ Instead of depending on development aid, it is better to start by implementing effective strategies taking into account the local context “, he argued.
Iss Heridiny