The Scattered Islands are a group of small islands in the western Indian Ocean. Long ago, they were part of Madagascar, but over time, they fell under French control, just like Madagascar itself did for a while. Although Madagascar gained independence in 1960, France kept control of these islands, creating a long-standing disagreement.
Earlier this week, the President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, made a bold statement: “The Scattered Islands belong to Madagascar.” His declaration reignited an old issue that has lingered between Madagascar and France for years. While many in Madagascar believe these islands should be returned, France has refused to let them go, even after the United Nations General Assembly in 1979 recognized Madagascar’s claim to the islands.
Rajoelina emphasized that Madagascar wants the islands back, but he also suggested a peaceful and cooperative approach to resolving the issue. He pointed to a recent example involving Mauritius and the Chagos Archipelago, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean that had also been under foreign control. In that case, the UK had ruled over the Chagos Islands for many years, but after a long legal battle, the United Nations’ top court told Britain to give up control. Eventually, the UK recognized Mauritius’ sovereignty over the islands.
However, as GGI reported earlier, Britain has officially agreed to give up its last African colony, the Chagos Islands, but the real reason behind the deal is to keep control of a major military base. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy admitted that the move was a strategic decision to secure the future of Diego Garcia, a key military base used by the United States.
For many in Madagascar, the situation with the Scattered Islands is similar. They see the Chagos decision as a glimmer of hope, a possible pathway for them to reclaim their islands too. Rajoelina hinted that Madagascar could follow a similar strategy in its quest to bring the Scattered Islands back under its control, but he also acknowledged that the process will take time and careful planning.
The issue of colonial legacy looms large here. Madagascar and other African nations are still dealing with the consequences of borders and territories drawn by European powers during the colonial era. The Scattered Islands represent more than just a handful of distant lands—they are a symbol of Madagascar’s fight for full sovereignty and control over its own resources.
As tensions build and the spotlight shines on this long-standing territorial dispute, the question remains: Will France finally agree to return the Scattered Islands, or will Madagascar have to take further action to reclaim what it believes is rightfully its own? Only time will tell, but the momentum appears to be shifting in favor of Madagascar.
