6 November 1995 – 6 November 2020, the Rova of Antananarivo rises from its ashes. And this, 25 years after the fire that ravaged the Royal Palace. The President of the Republic Andry Rajoelina and his spouse, Mialy Rajoelina attended today the inauguration ceremony of the restored palaces of Besakana and Manjakamiadana. Apart from notables and members of the royal families from all Regions of the Big Island, Prime Minister Ntsay Christian and members of the government, heads of institutions, namely the President of the National Assembly Christine Razanamahasoa and the President of the High Constitutional Court, Jean Eric Rakotoarisoa, members of the diplomatic and consular corps residing in Madagascar were also strongly represented at the ceremony. Officially launched 19 months ago, the work consisted in the identical rehabilitation of all the buildings and monuments making up the Besakana and Manjakamiadana Palaces. The palaces have been restored to their former glory, from the details of the parquet flooring to the wall ornaments.
“The restoration work has been carried out with respect for Malagasy history, culture and traditions as well as practices and customs,” said President Andry Rajoelina. The current regime has thus taken up the challenge of renovating this monument to Madagascar’s history in just a few months. The presidential family has fully financed the restoration of the Besakana Palace, the oldest palace of the Anatirova. On the other hand, the rehabilitation work on the Manjakamiadana Palace was financed by the budget of the Ministry of Communication and Culture. “In order to preserve national sovereignty, the Malagasy State has chosen to finance the rehabilitation of the Rova itself,” said President Andry Rajoelina. Today’s ceremony also marks the umpteenth implementation of President Andry Rajoelina’s “Velirano” (sworn commitment), notably that of upgrading our historical monuments and cultural heritage in order to revive national pride and patriotism. The Head of State added: “We must stick to everything that brings us together and leave aside everything that divides us. Moreover, the efforts of the Malagasy State are continuing to restore our national heritage. Following the coronation of the royal dais of Queen Ranavalona III, the President of the Republic announced today that the current regime is combining its efforts aiming at the restitution of the skull of King Toera of Sakalava Menabe and that of Prince Ratsimamanga. “We are going to reestablish history,” said the Head of State.
President Andry Rajoelina announced today that the Rova of Antananarivo will henceforth be called “Rova de Madagasikara”, and will be erected as a museum that will house elements of Madagascar’s history. President Andry Rajoelina also announced that the museum will be open to the general public before the celebration of the Nativity feast on 25th December. In addition to the various exhibition rooms for relics and archives, the second floor of the Manjakamiadana Palace will be entirely dedicated to the projection in 3D of documentaries retracing the History of Madagascar. During this ceremony, President Andry Rajoelina, accompanied by his spouse, planted an “Aviavy” (Ficus trichopoda), symbol of Malagasy royalty and former high nobility. He then visited the Manjakamiadana Palace where a short film on the history of Madagascar from the time of the Royalty to the present day was shown.