‘A disguised obligation’ – Family of Malagasy WWII escapee recalls hardship under French flag
From Viory
The families of Malagasy World War II veterans recalled the struggles faced by soldiers conscripted to fight for colonial power France.
One descendant shared the hardships endured by a family member who served in the war, describing it as ‘very harsh’.
“There was a lack of food, recurring forced labour, and all the horrors of war. He couldn’t bear it anymore, which is why he ran away. He told us that’s exactly how it happened,” he stated.
“He also advised us to always stay united during similar situations, to keep the same spirit of solidarity that he and his comrades had back then. It was comforting to hear what he shared with us,” he added.
During the Second World War, around 34,000 Malagasy soldiers served in the defence of France.
“It wasn’t a voluntary choice, but a disguised obligation. There were many deaths, many Malagasy people died. And even today, we’re still under France’s influence, still colonised, but indirectly. We are not yet truly free,” another explained.
Many were summarily executed by Nazi forces or endured harsh conditions in prisoner-of-war camps. Others were used as forced labour after Paris capitulated to Germany following the six-week Battle of France in 1940.
A further 70,000 conscripts were in Madagascar awaiting transfer to France when the armistice was signed with Germany.
Malagasy soldiers became disillusioned by the French authorities, having been separated from their families without information on when they could return home. This discontent grew when they were repatriated in 1946, leading to a rise in nationalism and anti-colonial movement.
In 1947, tens of thousands were killed by French forces during the Malagasy uprising, before Madagascar eventually became independent in 1960.
