Conflicts with France
Since gaining independence, the diplomatic relations between France and Madagascar have been tense. The years of suppression of the Malagasy people through colonial policies, exploitation, and sometimes severe mistreatment of the locals have left their mark on their cultural memory. With independence, the residents of the island nation were finally able to embrace national pride and a sense of their own identity.
Developing a national understanding. Only the Iles Ésparses – scattered islands in English – are still national property of France. The islands therefore still have the status of French overseas territories and are managed by a corresponding French prefect. Most of the islands cannot even be entered without a special permit. Madagascar has been trying for decades to integrate the islands into its own state system, but faces strong resistance from France. France uses the islands as a location for meteorological research and also hosts military bases there, which the country is unwilling to give up under any circumstances. Recently, the French government has According to their own statements, the legitimate claim to possession has been reaffirmed through public declarations. The protests of the Malagasy people have not been and are not being further considered. The Scattered Islands and the island of Madagascar have always shared a turbulent history. Resolving the conflicts does not seem to be imminent.
Threat to
Unique Ecosystems
This topic is particularly sensitive because some of the islands could potentially contain valuable natural resources. Recently, oil and gas reserves were discovered on the island of Juan de Nova. France holds the extraction rights for these resources. This development is considered highly risky from the perspective of conservationists: many of the Iles éparses harbor unique ecosystems and require special protection. If large-scale resource extraction is carried out, these areas are at immediate risk. This spells inevitable doom for many bird colonies and sea turtles.
Most of the Iles éparses are so small that they were previously considered uninhabited. Only a few scientific research stations are present on some of the islands. The fragile ecosystems of these remote islands are in urgent need of protection to prevent irreversible damage.
The island of Tromelin has a fascinating history of hosting people for an extended period of time. These individuals found themselves stranded on the inhospitable island after a shipwreck, where they endured harsh conditions until they were rescued. The survival of these people on the island remains a mystery to this day.
