NO TO VIOLENCE, NO TO FEAR — YES TO JUSTICE, TRUTH, AND DEMOCRACY!
Madagascar stands at a crossroads. Once again, the nation’s conscience is shaken by acts that lay bare the fragility of our democracy and the moral bankruptcy of those who claim to govern in the name of the people.
The recent assault by law enforcement officers on an unarmed young protester — left for dead before being rescued by citizens and journalists — is not an isolated tragedy. It is the latest symptom of a political system that has lost touch with the people it claims to serve.
Enough is enough. No authority, no government, and no leader can justify the shedding of innocent blood in the name of “order.”
When peaceful protest becomes a crime and truth becomes subversion, the Republic itself is in peril.
The arrests of young researchers and civic activists accused of “undermining state security” for simply voicing their opinions expose the deep crisis of legitimacy at the heart of power.
A fearful government silences its youth; a responsible one listens to them.
We reaffirm our solidarity with all those who raise their voices for justice and dignity. Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are not privileges granted by power — they are constitutional rights, born of the people’s struggle for sovereignty.
A REPUBLIC IN CRISIS
Madagascar today faces not merely political instability, but a collapse of public trust.
Justice, education, and integrity — the pillars of any functioning Republic — are being corroded by corruption, cronyism, and impunity.
The effects are visible everywhere:
- The repression of thinkers, journalists, and civic leaders weakens the intellectual life of the nation;
- Corruption spreads through institutions, replacing competence with loyalty to power;
- Privilege and patronage replace merit, strangling initiative and innovation;
- The youth see promises of democracy betrayed, and women — the very strength of our economy — remain marginalized and underemployed;
- Education, once a ladder of equality, has become a tool of exclusion.
A generation is growing up amid hopelessness and fear — not because it lacks potential, but because it is denied opportunity.
This is not fate. It is political failure.
A PEOPLE’S CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHANGE
The Malagasy people can no longer remain silent.
The time has come for courage — moral, civic, and political.
We call upon every citizen, every institution, and every true patriot to rise above fear and division, and to reclaim the Republic.
We therefore solemnly demand:
- The immediate and unconditional release of all peaceful demonstrators and political prisoners;
- An end to state-led repression against citizens, journalists, and defenders of democracy;
- An independent national commission of inquiry into all acts of violence committed by security forces;
- The initiation of an inclusive national dialogue involving civil society, opposition forces, and all legitimate actors of the nation;
- And, in the spirit of republican accountability, the resignation of the President of the Republic, whose leadership has failed to guarantee justice, peace, or national unity — to open the path toward a credible and peaceful political transition that honors the will of the Malagasy people.
This call is not driven by partisanship or vengeance — it is a cry of conscience.
When government loses the moral authority to govern, it is the duty of citizens to reclaim democracy.
True political courage is not in clinging to power, but in restoring trust, dialogue, and dignity to the Republic.
Let us remember the timeless words of King Andrianampoinimerina:
“Ny mosary no fahavaloko.”
Hunger — and with it, division, corruption, and injustice — are our true enemies.
As long as we are divided, we are weak.
United, we can rebuild the Republic and reclaim our destiny.
Masina ny Tanindrazana.
For justice, for democracy, for Madagascar — our land, our pride, our future.
Harime Sylvia RANDRIANARIVO
Elected Member, Analamanga Youth Parliament (2021)
Immediate Past President, Lions Club Antananarivo Miranandro
President, I.M.P.A.C.T Association Madagascar (2025–2029)
