Madagascar: no major celebrations for the 60th anniversary of independence

Military parade behind closed doors for this 60th anniversary of independence in Madagascar. The parade takes place on Place du 13 mai, on the square in front of the town hall and on avenue de l'Indépendance, on June 26, 2020. RFI / Sarah Tetaud

Text by: Sarah Tétaud Follow

It's a funny birthday in Madagascar. No celebrations with great pomp in the legendary stadium where independence was proclaimed, but a military parade behind closed doors with a president who calls for unity.

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With our correspondent in Antananarivo , 

"  It is thanks to the love of the nation, to national pride and to the sovereignty of Madagascar, in accordance with the objectives that we have set ourselves, that you will be out of business, Madagascar."  It was with his deaths that the head of state closed the parade. He was also optimistic about the eradication of the coronavirus in the country. For the wink, President Rajoelina reviewed the troops aboard the white convertible Cadillac which had been used by President Tsiranana 60 years ago today, during the very first parade of the army Malagasy.

This year's military parade honored all the brigades and battalions created specially to combat the spread of the pandemic. A dozen trucks and cars flocked "Anti-Covid19", those that we see crisscrossing the capital daily, also took part in the parade. But what really marked the spirits this morning is the impressive security system to officially avoid any crowd and contamination.

Nearly 3,000 law enforcement officers were distributed on every street corner. The city center of the capital has been completely cordoned off. There was hardly a single passerby on the streets. The inhabitants respected the instructions by not trying to get closer to the parade despite their strong attachment to this tradition. An atmosphere of a dead city therefore for this 60th anniversary that the president has promised to make people forget by confirming the postponement of the festivities to next October 14, date of the celebration of the birth of the first Republic.

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  • Madagascar
  • African Independence Day
  • Andry Rajoelina

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