Madagascar Makes a Bold Move Towards Decolonisation

Madagascar has taken a major step towards land reclamation in a process that can be interpreted as decolonisation. The High Constitutional Court has approved a law transferring ownership of any land still under foreign titles from the pre-independence era to the state for management and control. This means that any land that was registered under foreign settlers before June 29, 1960 will be handed over to the state. The central exceptions to this law are diplomatic and consular property, property owned by foreign settlers who have now attained Malagasy citizenship, and land already transferred to Malagasy citizens before independence. The key focus of the decision is Madagascar’s determination to reclaim land still tied to its colonial past.  

In 2015, Madagascar had strived to attain this law, however the Court had declared it unconstitutional. The National Assembly had at the time proposed the transfer of former colonial lands to private individuals. This proposal, however, was a violation of the Constitution, which states that the rights to private property cannot be deprived except for reasons of public utility, or upon fair compensation.   Over a decade later, the country has received approval after shifting its original strategy; from ‘transfer to private citizen’ to ‘transfer to state ownership’. Madagascar is asserting its sovereignty by reopening the process to reclaim resources lost in colonisation. Beyond the political statement this law signifies, the Malagasy people stand to benefit a lot more. 

In June 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron and Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina reopened talks over the Scattered Islands–five islets that were initially run by France but Madagascar has laid claim to since 1970. Despite the United Nations votes in 1970 and 1980 for the reintegration of the area into Madagascar, ownership of the area has remained under dispute. France is negotiating for joint management of the islands whereas Madagascar is pushing for total reclamation. The Scattered Islands are of great concern because of the wide marine space they offer, full of fishes and other enviable natural resources. The recent approval of the land reclamation law is bound to send a signal to France that the Malagasy people are insistent upon their sovereignty. Even as this law opens the door to next level processes, the message is clear: Madagascar is fighting the dredges of colonisation on its shores. 

With access to the possibilities that the islands promise, the Madagascar economy will experience a significant boost. Trade and investment in natural resources will support the nation’s current revenue streams. Other reclaimed lands may also be distributed indigenously to local property owners, expanding ownerships. Additionally, these lands will offer sufficient space for construction of major infrastructure and contribute to the fostering of agriculture and investment. The Malagasy people will have more resources to work with, spelling good news for  local industries and the national economy. 

Still, it is important to remember that victory has not been wrought yet; the line has only been drawn. The constitutional approval is only the second step after the National Assembly adoption in the chain of processes that the country must undergo to reclaim its land. The law will thereafter move to the publication stage, after it is set in motion. Following this, a census will be conducted to determine how many areas fall under the legislation. There is looming uncertainty regarding the allocation process, as this decision marks the first of its kind. With no precedents, there is a risk of officials misappropriating resources. Nonetheless, what stands out is the exemplary move that Madagascar has taken in upholding its sovereignty. Many African countries still battle the after-effects of colonialism on national identity and resources. There must be an awakening across the continent where governments consider how best to steer their countries on the path that is uniquely theirs. Madagascar’s decision blazes a trail of decolonisation whose adoption will prove beneficial to other African countries.