The non-refundable donation aims to bolster food security and will be sold locally to fund development projects.
Japan has provided Madagascar with a non-refundable donation of rice valued at 7.9 billion ariary, equivalent to 300 million Japanese yen. This assistance, part of the 2026 Food Assistance Program, was formalized through an agreement signed on September 4th. The signing ceremony was attended by the Japanese Ambassador to Madagascar, Tojima Hitoshi, and the Malagasy Minister of Foreign Affairs, N'Diaye Alice, alongside other government officials.
This contribution targets the reinforcement of food security in a nation where approximately 80% of the population relies on agriculture. The program addresses the vulnerability of agricultural production, exacerbated by recurrent droughts in the Grand South and cyclones and floods in eastern regions. Chronic malnutrition, affecting nearly half of children under five, remains a significant concern.
The donated rice, a staple food, will not be distributed freely but will be sold by the Malagasy government at a reasonable price. Proceeds will be channeled into "Counterpart Funds" to finance socio-economic development projects, in collaboration with Japan. This mechanism has previously supported initiatives aimed at enhancing food security, agricultural resilience, and living conditions.
Why it mattersThe donation of rice and its subsequent sale will impact the availability and price of a staple food, while generated funds will support development projects.
Read in ASJ →Lawmakers failed to pass five key legislative proposals during an extraordinary session, prompting questions about efficiency and public spending.
The second extraordinary session of the National Assembly concluded with a meager output, adopting only two out of seven proposed bills. The remaining five, including legislation on cybercrime and digital infrastructure, have been postponed to a future session due to their complexity and sensitivity. This outcome raises concerns about the effectiveness of extraordinary parliamentary sessions and the associated public expenditures.
The adopted bills pertained to the general status of military personnel and a complementary agreement on finance and productive investments within the SADC. The postponed bills covered critical areas such as gambling, nuclear technology, electronic communications, and anti-cybercrime measures, including ratification of the Hanoi Convention. The Assembly cited the need for thorough examination to avoid hasty decisions impacting the population.
Despite the stated caution, the session's low productivity fuels debate on the necessity and cost of convening deputies when a significant portion of the agenda remains incomplete. The President of the National Assembly has requested another extraordinary session to address the deferred legislation, potentially leading to further state expenses for a task left largely unfinished.
Why it mattersLawmakers failed to pass five key legislative proposals during an extraordinary session, prompting questions about efficiency and public spending.
Read in ASJ →Authoritarian leaders impose their will, enriching allies through a twisted legal system that targets opponents.
Madagascar's political landscape is characterized by unenlightened dictators who prioritize personal gain over public welfare. These leaders, often inspired by the idea of an "enlightened dictatorship" but failing to achieve it, instead embody the negative aspects of authoritarianism without any of its purported benefits. Their rule is marked by the enrichment of a select ruling clan, secured by a perverted state of law where legal mechanisms are weaponized against dissenters.
Such regimes often arise from power grabs, whether through military factions or leveraging social media, bypassing democratic processes. Once in power, these leaders consolidate their control by appeasing key supporters, such as military personnel with promotions and benefits, and by exerting control over communication channels like social media, all under the guise of legality. This approach, however, blurs the line between legality and justice, as historical examples of legal but unjust systems like apartheid demonstrate.
The core issue is the imposition of a leader's will and lifestyle upon the populace, disregarding genuine citizen concerns such as economic well-being and political freedoms. While some historical dictatorships have achieved economic development at the cost of civil liberties, Madagascar's current situation is described as a non-enlightened dictatorship, offering only the negative consequences of authoritarianism without any developmental advantages.
Why it mattersThe unenlightened dictator's actions directly affect citizens by enriching the ruling clan and using the law as a political tool against opponents.
Read in ASJ →Morondava will be the site of the national Lohataona 2026 celebration from September 14-18, showcasing the Menabe region's heritage.
The national Lohataona 2026 celebration, also known as the Malagasy New Year, will take place in Morondava, Menabe region, from September 14 to 18, 2026. Organizers announced the event aims to unite Malagasy people, emphasizing solidarity and national unity. This year's celebration is set to be distinct, with a special focus on the historical, cultural, traditional, and tourism assets of the Menabe region.
The festival will serve as an opportunity for Malagasy people from different regions to meet, share customs, and pass down cultural values and heritage to younger generations. Representatives from various regions across Madagascar, including government and traditional authorities, cultural actors, youth, civil society organizations, and national and international partners, are expected to attend.
Activities planned include a cultural parade, a gathering of traditional elders, communal feasts, cultural conferences and discussions, handicraft exhibitions, and artistic performances. The objective is to establish Morondava as a central hub for Malagasy culture and fellowship by highlighting regional diversity, with culture as a treasure and national unity as strength.
Why it mattersThe Lohataona 2026 festival in Morondava will bring together people from various regions to share customs and cultural heritage, fostering national unity.
Read in ASJ →Mahajanga University and the Independent Anti-Corruption Bureau (Bianco) are piloting a new course to instill integrity in future leaders.
Mahajanga University and the Independent Anti-Corruption Bureau (Bianco) have partnered to create a new anti-corruption training module for Master 2 students. The initiative aims to foster responsibility, transparency, and accountability among future leaders. This collaboration, supported by the Swiss Confederation and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), seeks to integrate corruption prevention and integrity promotion into the university curriculum.
The module's development was finalized during a two-day workshop held at the Bianco headquarters in Mahajanga Be. According to Sitraka Harivony Maria Patrick Razanabahoaka, the territorial director of Bianco in Mahajanga, the program aligns with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and the State's General Policy. It represents an investment in training a new generation of professionals committed to more ethical and responsible governance.
The new module will be piloted at three higher education institutions: the Institute of Letters, Civilizations, and Social Sciences (ILC-SS), the School of Law and Political Science (EDSP), and the University Institute of Management and Marketing (IUGM). The experimental phase is scheduled to begin with the next academic year, marking a concrete step towards embedding anti-corruption education within the university system.
Why it mattersStudents pursuing Master 2 degrees at Mahajanga University will gain new knowledge and values related to fighting corruption.
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