Madagascar : Reaction to France’s refusal to return the Îles Éparses

Malagasy government and opposition react to France’s position

On April 23 and 24, 2025, during his state visit to Madagascar, Emmanuel Macron clearly stated that no transfer of sovereignty of the Îles Éparses would be considered, favoring a form of co-management. This statement rekindled tensions surrounding the issue of the Îles Éparses, a group of islands in the Mozambique Channel that Madagascar has claimed for several decades.

The Madagascan government has expressed its dissatisfaction, but welcomes the resumption of discussions. Indeed, a meeting of the joint commission on the Îles Éparses has been scheduled for June 30 in Paris. Madagascar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rasata Rafaravavitafika, sees this meeting as a step forward, stressing that Madagascar has never relinquished its rights over these islands, as confirmed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979. In her view, the resumption of dialogue reflects mutual respect and a willingness to move forward constructively, despite the complexity of the issue.

Position of the Malagasy opposition

The Malagasy opposition, on the other hand, is firmly opposed to the idea of co-management and demands a full transfer of sovereignty over the Sparses Islands to Madagascar. MMM party leader Hajo Andrianainarivelo calls on President Andry Rajoelina to take a firmer stance vis-à-vis France. He stresses that sovereignty over the islands must not be negotiated, and that it is time for the Madagascan president to reaffirm this historic claim.

For his part, Roland Ratsiraka, MP for Tamatave, believes that restitution of the islands would be premature as long as the current government is in place, for fear that the islands could become an object of speculation. In his view, Madagascar must first prove its ability to manage its natural resources before laying claim to these territories.

The remote islands and geopolitical issues

The Éparses Islands, with their vast maritime zones, represent a major strategic challenge. They enable France to control a major part of the Mozambique Channel, a key trade route and an area rich in maritime resources, particularly fish and gas. This situation partly explains Paris’s refusal to cede the islands, despite pressure from Madagascar.

Conclusion

Although President Emmanuel Macron has ruled out the possibility of a transfer of sovereignty, the resumption of discussions in June 2025 could pave the way for some form of partnership, albeit not to Madagascar’s complete satisfaction. Debates on the question of the Îles Éparses are therefore not about to come to an end, and tensions will continue to mark relations between the two nations in the months to come.