Madagascar’s New Leader: Hope Amid Challenges

Will the new president of this island nation, the fifth poorest country in the world, tackle the immense problems engulfing the country? Chronic water and electricity shortages, corruption, poverty, crime, lack of educational and job opportunities…

 Young protesters, Gen Z Madagascar, recently took to the streets by the thousands, demanding action.  After weeks of mayhem, the military stepped in, backed the protesters, and toppled the government. Former president Andry Rajoelina had been impeached and fled the country.  The constitutional court declared Col Michael Randrianirina as the new ruler.

I visited Madagascar last summer. The poverty is overwhelming.  The chaos and traffic congestion in Antananarivo, the capital city, are mind boggling. Petty crime (pickpocketing) is pervasive. I was cautioned not to walk alone in the city. I asked a guide to take me to the main city market.  He refused.  It would be too risky.

John Delmas, my guide, pointed out a glaring symbol of corruption, a cable car crossing the city.  The goal is to whisk people across town and avoid the stifling traffic. Citizens, who suffer water and electricity shortages, felt the money would be better spent to improve basic needs.  Nonetheless a French company installed the cable car to the cost of some 150 million euros.  It now stands still. Protestors destroyed the boarding stations.

I spent little time in frantic Antananarivo. Most of my visit was  filled with enriching and fun experiences in the area around Nosy Be,  a popular tourist destination:  scuba diving, swimming and snorkeling with giant turtles, visiting a lovely island, a fishing village, a sacred tree, a food market, a handicrafts market, a lemur park.  I had interesting and educational conversations with guides and jovial locals.  More about all in future posts.

I enjoyed Madagascar.  There is tremendous potential for growth, development, tourism.  Will that blossom with the new government, or yet again be set back by those in power who think only of their pocketbooks?

Madagascar has had a history of coups and crises since gaining independence from France in 1960.  Ravi Matadeen, a British citizen who has lived and worked in Madagascar for 13 years, says he is worried about the future. “It looks very bleak.”  He mentioned people leaving the country to find work abroad.  “People with degrees are going to Mauritius to work in factories,” he noted. “There is a mass exodus of talent.” 

Matadeeen is in the travel business which has been decimated with the recent events.  “All bookings have been canceled.  This has had a huge effect on Madagascar.  Things are really bad.” 

His friend, my guide John, a Malagasy who has his own tour company in Antananarivo, has also lost clients. Yet he is a bit more hopeful about the future.

“Now we have a transitional government, and there’s a bit of hope that things might get better,” John said. “But people are tired of corrupt politicians who only look out for themselves. We really need honest leaders who can bring real change. I truly hope things will start improving from now on.”  

Matadeen’s wife, Kasia, who is Polish and works with an NGO which provides financial support to poor families for children’s education, also sees a glimmer of hope. “Maybe it will be different this time since it came from people on the streets.  The problem is corruption.  Those in power don’t care about the people.”

Gen Z protester Loic Coltran talked about corruption, yet he  is very hopeful. “The young have woken up.  We’ve had enough,” he said.  “Not to have the right to water, electricity and energy in 2025… it’s not possible.  We have been oppressed.” 

 He says Gen Z leaders have spoken to the new president and his team.  “We can solve these problems.  We believe. We need change.” 

Coltran, who works for an indigenous agricultural enterprise,  pointed out the country’s agricultural potential. “We have lots of rivers, plains, land for cultivation.  But now there are no tractors, no irrigation, roads are not built. He mentioned Madagascar’s natural resources:  gold, oil, gas, minerals…  “Now only 1% is for the people, 99% is for foreign companies,” he said.  “Here nothing works.  It’s all corrupt.”

I was reminded of comments I heard during my brief visit to South Africa prior to visiting Madagascar.  Corruption and crime are rampant there too.  I was shocked with a remark from a black South African.  “All of Africa’s leaders are corrupt,” he said.  His hope for change lies with the young.  
Let’s hope Madagascar’s Gen Z can spur positive change in this beautiful, fascinating country.

Photos of Antananarivo by John Delmas. Thank you John. And thank you for your outstanding guide services. You taught me so much about Madagascar. https://www.mada-discovery-travels.com

Ravi Matadeen, Self Drive Madagascar, http://www.selfdrivemadagascar.com

NGO helping finance education of children: http://www.childrenofmadagscar.com

I booked my African adventure, South Africa (Kruger) and Madagascar, with Worldwide Quest, http://www.worldwidequest.com

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