Crisis in Madagascar: A Corrupt System on the Verge of Implosion
Title: Crisis in Madagascar: A Corrupt System on the Verge of Implosion
Content: Observers and researchers agree that the current crisis in Madagascar reveals a system of resource capture by a predatory elite. Without deep structural reform, the cycle of revolts will continue to repeat.
Historian Jocelyn Chan Low describes Madagascar as "a scandalous country" that has faced numerous issues since gaining independence. The contrast is stark: despite vast natural, mining, agricultural, and human resources, the per capita income has declined over the decades. "What has happened in this resource-rich country is scandalous," he points out. In the 1960s, the standard of living in Madagascar was higher than that of Mauritius, but six decades later, the trajectories have reversed.
Amédée Darga, a researcher on socio-economic issues and Managing Partner at Straconsult, shares a similar view. "Everyone says it’s an extremely rich country. However, successive governments have failed to develop it for the wellbeing of the population," laments Darga, who has been observing the situations in the Great Island since the 1970s.
According to him, the current situation is part of a historical cycle. "This phenomenon repeats every 10 to 15 years, especially in urban areas," he explains. Poor governance, poverty, failures in public services, and power outages fuel the anger of the Malagasy people, who, after being patient for so long, eventually explode when suffering becomes unbearable. "Today, it’s the younger generation that lacks patience," he notes.
Jocelyn Chan Low attributes this decline to a predatory elite, often bi-national. "They extract natural resources without fostering development. They want to maintain the monopoly and prevent other investors from entering," he asserts.
This minority controls the economic and administrative sectors. Various governments have merely been political facades. "The elite corrupt politicians, and per capita income has decreased, even though it’s an intelligent population," he remarks.
On the geopolitical front, he mentions the era of "crazy capitalism," where powers like France, Russia, and China seek to capture depleting resources. Madagascar is coveted because its vast agricultural lands are becoming more valuable in a global context of food scarcity related to climate change. "Some control the country from a distance through their puppets," he adds.
Need for a Reformation
Both observers agree on one point: only a profound change in the system will help break this deadlock. "We must not only change leaders but the system itself," asserts Jocelyn Chan Low. Otherwise, the population will continue to impoverish.
Amédée Darga emphasizes the need for true economic and social restructuring: "The economy must serve the people, not an elite. This kind of revolution will change things." He cites Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso as an example of someone who has made bold moves in his country. "The Malagasy government must focus on economic development so that the population benefits from the wealth. Otherwise, in ten years, the same problems will resurface," he adds.
"It’s a system that cannot continue. To move forward, we need to change both the people and the political system," indicates Jocelyn Chan Low. However, he warns that reconstruction will take time, as the country has become deeply impoverished.
What About Mauritius?
Some Mauritian internet users mention the risk of seeing a similar uprising one day. Jocelyn Chan Low reminds us that these revolts always originate from corruption and the failure of leaders. In Mauritius, several factors limit this risk: a strong welfare state and functioning institutions. "When someone is sick, they receive free medical care at the hospital. Children attend school for free. Pensions and social assistance serve as a safety net that prevents the population from falling into despair," he explains. Furthermore, local politics operate within the respect of the Constitution. When a government is incompetent, it can be rejected at the polls.
However, Amédée Darga believes that Mauritius is not immune to such revolts. "Mauritians have become accustomed to expressing their dissatisfaction through voting, as seen in the November 2024 elections," he emphasizes. Yet he also observes a growing impatience among the youth: "If abuses aren’t punished, an uprising, especially among the youth, is possible. Mauritians are fed up with the excesses and want justice to be served."
However, unlike Madagascar or Nepal, the Mauritian youth is not a majority: many are leaving the country. Jocelyn Chan Low also notes a growing disinterest linked to substance abuse. "Maybe it will explode one day, but I remain pessimistic," he confesses. According to him, Generation Z consists of spontaneous movements, without a defined program, which allows old structures to persist.
The Private Jet Incident: A Diplomatic Blunder
Regarding the private jet that landed in Mauritius on the night of Saturday to Sunday, historian Jocelyn Chan Low believes that the interim Prime Minister, Paul Bérenger, "is absolutely right." "It’s a diplomatic blunder to have allowed this plane to land in Mauritius, which could cause problems for the country," he says. Two passengers are wanted by Gen Z for alleged crimes. "Mauritius finds itself caught in the crossfire. Even if the plane was low on fuel, the passengers should not have been allowed to disembark," he adds.
Amédée Darga, for his part, preferred not to comment due to a lack of sufficient information on the matter.
Mauritius Calls for Calm in Madagascar
On Monday, October 13, Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful met with Madagascar's ambassador, H.E. Albert-Camille Vital. Discussions focused on bilateral relations and the current situation in the Great Island.
According to a statement, the Mauritian government, which is closely monitoring the unfolding events, reiterated its call for calm and encourages the continuation of the mediation process between Malagasy parties. Ambassador Vital noted Mauritius's expressed concerns.
