Photographer based in MADAGASCAR

Citizen perception of the Authority in Malagasy rural areas

In Madagascar, 78% of the population lives in the countryside. Who represents and holds power in these rural areas ?

I photographed the people who represent the Authority in the rural areas: member of the clergy, the gendarme, the district chief (local representative of the State), the local king, the chief Fokontany, the mayor, the "raiamandreny", the traditional doctor, etc.
These people with an "authoritarian" function in the bush have almost absolute power among the rural population. This power is granted either by the people (election), or by the State, or by the Tradition.
This power may be misused by its holder who may exploit it in his personal interest. These practices are encouraged by the apathy of the rural population, most often illiterate (in 2014, 46% of Malagasy could neither read nor write according to the Ministry of National Education) and in constant economic and food survival; this apathy is also accentuated by the prevailing political discourse affirming that "fatality" is the cause of Malagasy problems. Thus the idea of demanding an improvement of the daily life or of holding these representatives of the Authority accountable is not even (any more) envisaged. This mentality has been passed down from generation to generation and has become a general pattern of thought among the majority of Madagascar's inhabitants. This traditional form can take the name of fihavanana, which can mean solidarity, but in a broader sense, can mean "spirit of moderation". The fihavanana is a typical Malagasy way of approaching human relations on the Big Island, and is a way of "maintaining social balance" in Madagascar. But as the writer Johary RAVALOSON says, the fihavanana can be a way of enslaving the poorest and least educated against those who hold power, the Authority, thus making it possible to annihilate any contesting project.

 

This report was commissioned and produced by Collateral Creations between December 2015 and February 2016

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BETIOKY - Mr Rakotoarivelo Hasindaza, 37, is the head of the "Betioky Sud" county. He has been based in Betioky since July 2015. He is from Ambalavao. A classical career, he studied law for 4 years and graduated from ENAM (Ecole Nationale d'Administration de Madagascar) in 2012. The county heads are assigned for 3 years to a post by decree from the Ministry of the Interior and are the direct representatives of the Malagasy State. Before Betioky, he was head of Ampanihy county, and was reassigned to southern Madagascar for his experience in conflict management with the population and his knowledge of local traditions. He receives us in his large office. The official portrait of the President of the Republic on the walls. Today, he is dressed in his official uniform because he will receive a delegation of villagers who are in conflict with another village. He is the archetype of the perfect senior civil servant: impeccable French expression, young graduate, intransigent technician, devoted to his state mission, but also respectful of the traditions of the Mahafaly ethnic group.
BETIOKY - Mr Rakotoarivelo Hasindaza, 37, is the head of the "Betioky Sud" county. He has been based in Betioky since July 2015. He is from Ambalavao. A classical career, he studied law for 4 years and graduated from ENAM (Ecole Nationale d'Administration de Madagascar) in 2012. The county heads are assigned for 3 years to a post by decree from the Ministry of the Interior and are the direct representatives of the Malagasy State. Before Betioky, he was head of Ampanihy county, and was reassigned to southern Madagascar for his experience in conflict management with the population and his knowledge of local traditions. He receives us in his large office. The official portrait of the President of the Republic on the walls. Today, he is dressed in his official uniform because he will receive a delegation of villagers who are in conflict with another village. He is the archetype of the perfect senior civil servant: impeccable French expression, young graduate, intransigent technician, devoted to his state mission, but also respectful of the traditions of the Mahafaly ethnic group.
BETIOKY - Mrs. Sombiniaina Ronestrie, married, 2 children, 31 years old, is a teacher in a public primary school in Betioky. She has been a schoolteacher since 2006. When I ask her what education she has done to become a teacher, she is very surprised by this question. Finally, she explains that there is no choice but to be a teacher here in Betioky when you have passed your baccalaureate. She first made replacements and was finally tenured. She loves teaching math, because she feels very useful here, in the bush, where people have to know how to count well to be able to work at the zebu market or run a small business. She knows that she has an essential role in Madagascar's development mission by being in charge of educating and raising all these children. But she does not understand why she is entrusted with this mission for such a low monthly salary (300 000 Ar = 82 euros approximately) after already 10 years of service.
BETIOKY - Mrs. Sombiniaina Ronestrie, married, 2 children, 31 years old, is a teacher in a public primary school in Betioky. She has been a schoolteacher since 2006. When I ask her what education she has done to become a teacher, she is very surprised by this question. Finally, she explains that there is no choice but to be a teacher here in Betioky when you have passed your baccalaureate. She first made replacements and was finally tenured. She loves teaching math, because she feels very useful here, in the bush, where people have to know how to count well to be able to work at the zebu market or run a small business. She knows that she has an essential role in Madagascar's development mission by being in charge of educating and raising all these children. But she does not understand why she is entrusted with this mission for such a low monthly salary (300 000 Ar = 82 euros approximately) after already 10 years of service.
BETIOKY - Mrs. Sombiniaina Ronestrie, married, 2 children, 31 years old, is a teacher in a public primary school in Betioky. She has been a schoolteacher since 2006. When I ask her what education she has done to become a teacher, she is very surprised by this question. Finally, she explains that there is no choice but to be a teacher here in Betioky when you have passed your baccalaureate. She first made replacements and was finally tenured. She loves teaching math, because she feels very useful here, in the bush, where people have to know how to count well to be able to work at the zebu market or run a small business. She knows that she has an essential role in Madagascar's development mission by being in charge of educating and raising all these children. But she does not understand why she is entrusted with this mission for such a low monthly salary (300 000 Ar = 82 euros approximately) after already 10 years of service.
BETIOKY - Mrs. Sombiniaina Ronestrie's students play during recess.
AMBOHOTSILAOZANA - Gendarmerie officer, Lieutenant Razafindrasolo Christian, 54, married, with 2 children, is the head of the Security Support Detachment (D.A.S.) based in the village of Ambohitsilaozana, Eastern Madagascar. While the detachment is composed of only four gendarmes, it is responsible for the security of 3 communes and 14 fokontany. Their main mission is to pursue and arrest zebu thieves who operate in the area. Their base is located in a villa in the middle of a magnificent park. It is a residence which belonged to the former President Marc Ravalomanana and which was requisitioned by the State since the coup of 2009. Today, Lieutenant Razafindrasolo organized an awareness mission in a village 10km from their base. Improvised meeting in the village square in the rain with the local population and the fokontany chief. Speech about the importance of knowing how to spot people involved in zebu thefts, to denounce them. The speech is well roamed. The gendarmes also strongly advise the population to collaborate with them under penalty of being accused themselves of complicity. The speech is working. The public is slightly worried. There's no way we're going to crush these heavily armed soldiers. Especially since these soldiers have already been accused of arbitrarily executing prisoners when they made them believe that they were free. At least that's what local journalists say...
AMBOHOTSILAOZANA - Gendarmerie officer, Lieutenant Razafindrasolo Christian, 54, married, with 2 children, is the head of the Security Support Detachment (D.A.S.) based in the village of Ambohitsilaozana, Eastern Madagascar. While the detachment is composed of only four gendarmes, it is responsible for the security of 3 communes and 14 fokontany. Their main mission is to pursue and arrest zebu thieves who operate in the area. Their base is located in a villa in the middle of a magnificent park. It is a residence which belonged to the former President Marc Ravalomanana and which was requisitioned by the State since the coup of 2009. Today, Lieutenant Razafindrasolo organized an awareness mission in a village 10km from their base. Improvised meeting in the village square in the rain with the local population and the fokontany chief. Speech about the importance of knowing how to spot people involved in zebu thefts, to denounce them. The speech is well roamed. The gendarmes also strongly advise the population to collaborate with them under penalty of being accused themselves of complicity. The speech is working. The public is slightly worried. There's no way we're going to crush these heavily armed soldiers. Especially since these soldiers have already been accused of arbitrarily executing prisoners when they made them believe that they were free. At least that's what local journalists say...
AMBOHOTSILAOZANA - Gendarmerie officer, Lieutenant Razafindrasolo Christian, 54, married, with 2 children, is the head of the Security Support Detachment (D.A.S.) based in the village of Ambohitsilaozana, Eastern Madagascar. While the detachment is composed of only four gendarmes, it is responsible for the security of 3 communes and 14 fokontany. Their main mission is to pursue and arrest zebu thieves who operate in the area. Their base is located in a villa in the middle of a magnificent park. It is a residence which belonged to the former President Marc Ravalomanana and which was requisitioned by the State since the coup of 2009. Today, Lieutenant Razafindrasolo organized an awareness mission in a village 10km from their base. Improvised meeting in the village square in the rain with the local population and the fokontany chief. Speech about the importance of knowing how to spot people involved in zebu thefts, to denounce them. The speech is well roamed. The gendarmes also strongly advise the population to collaborate with them under penalty of being accused themselves of complicity. The speech is working. The public is slightly worried. There's no way we're going to crush these heavily armed soldiers. Especially since these soldiers have already been accused of arbitrarily executing prisoners when they made them believe that they were free. At least that's what local journalists say...
AMBOHOTSILAOZANA - Gendarmerie officer, Lieutenant Razafindrasolo Christian, 54, married, with 2 children, is the head of the Security Support Detachment (D.A.S.) based in the village of Ambohitsilaozana, Eastern Madagascar. While the detachment is composed of only four gendarmes, it is responsible for the security of 3 communes and 14 fokontany. Their main mission is to pursue and arrest zebu thieves who operate in the area. Their base is located in a villa in the middle of a magnificent park. It is a residence which belonged to the former President Marc Ravalomanana and which was requisitioned by the State since the coup of 2009. Today, Lieutenant Razafindrasolo organized an awareness mission in a village 10km from their base. Improvised meeting in the village square in the rain with the local population and the fokontany chief. Speech about the importance of knowing how to spot people involved in zebu thefts, to denounce them. The speech is well roamed. The gendarmes also strongly advise the population to collaborate with them under penalty of being accused themselves of complicity. The speech is working. The public is slightly worried. There's no way we're going to crush these heavily armed soldiers. Especially since these soldiers have already been accused of arbitrarily executing prisoners when they made them believe that they were free. At least that's what local journalists say...
AMBATONDRAZAKA - Mrs. Liva Razafindrabe, 35 years old, widow, 3 children, is a reporter in a famous local radio in Ambatondrazaka, Radio Amomix Plus. Journalist since 2009, passionate about her job, she realizes that being a journalist in the countryside really represents the "4th power". The people she deals with in her job are often divided between respect for her job and distrust in what she will broadcast on the radio. Nevertheless, all the doors are generally open to her, she has no editor in chief who would control her work, she is completely autonomous in what she wants to broadcast. This is quite difficult for her, because the line between journalistic ethic and personal opinion is often difficult to keep.
AMBATONDRAZAKA - Mrs. Liva Razafindrabe, 35 years old, widow, 3 children, is a reporter in a famous local radio in Ambatondrazaka, Radio Amomix Plus. Journalist since 2009, passionate about her job, she realizes that being a journalist in the countryside really represents the "4th power". The people she deals with in her job are often divided between respect for her job and distrust in what she will broadcast on the radio. Nevertheless, all the doors are generally open to her, she has no editor in chief who would control her work, she is completely autonomous in what she wants to broadcast. This is quite difficult for her, because the line between journalistic ethic and personal opinion is often difficult to keep.
AMBATONDRAZAKA - Mrs. Liva Razafindrabe, 35 years old, widow, 3 children, is a reporter in a famous local radio in Ambatondrazaka, Radio Amomix Plus. Journalist since 2009, passionate about her job, she realizes that being a journalist in the countryside really represents the "4th power". The people she deals with in her job are often divided between respect for her job and distrust in what she will broadcast on the radio. Nevertheless, all the doors are generally open to her, she has no editor in chief who would control her work, she is completely autonomous in what she wants to broadcast. This is quite difficult for her, because the line between journalistic ethic and personal opinion is often difficult to keep.
AMBATONDRAZAKA - Mrs. Liva Razafindrabe, 35 years old, widow, 3 children, is a reporter in a famous local radio in Ambatondrazaka, Radio Amomix Plus. Journalist since 2009, passionate about her job, she realizes that being a journalist in the countryside really represents the "4th power". The people she deals with in her job are often divided between respect for her job and distrust in what she will broadcast on the radio. Nevertheless, all the doors are generally open to her, she has no editor in chief who would control her work, she is completely autonomous in what she wants to broadcast. This is quite difficult for her, because the line between journalistic ethic and personal opinion is often difficult to keep.
BEHAHITSE COMMUNE - Members of the Betioky "fokonolona" (community) met in Behahitse village, Ampanihy district, southern Madagascar. They are subject to the authority of a "Dina Be" (reconciliation). I am informed that most of them are zebu thieves (Dahalo). They still come armed and protected with their amulets (ody gasy) "because you never know" they tell me. They visit the Behahitse fokonolona to claim their due: nine zebus must be reimbursed to the Betioky community because a Behahitse resident stole a bicycle there. But the fokonolona of Behahitse does not agree, he finds that it is too much and contrary to the rule that was established by the Dina Be. Normally the refund should be three zebus and not nine. The two parties meet under tamarind trees near the village market. A long "kabary" (discussion, speech) of one day will finally bring the two parties together. To seal this pact, a zebu will be killed and shared.
BEHAHITSE COMMUNE - Members of the Betioky "fokonolona" (community) met in Behahitse village, Ampanihy district, southern Madagascar. They are subject to the authority of a "Dina Be" (reconciliation). I am informed that most of them are zebu thieves (Dahalo). They still come armed and protected with their amulets (ody gasy) "because you never know" they tell me. They visit the Behahitse fokonolona to claim their due: nine zebus must be reimbursed to the Betioky community because a Behahitse resident stole a bicycle there. But the fokonolona of Behahitse does not agree, he finds that it is too much and contrary to the rule that was established by the Dina Be. Normally the refund should be three zebus and not nine. The two parties meet under tamarind trees near the village market. A long "kabary" (discussion, speech) of one day will finally bring the two parties together. To seal this pact, a zebu will be killed and shared.
BEHAHITSE COMMUNE - Members of the Betioky "fokonolona" (community) met in Behahitse village, Ampanihy district, southern Madagascar. They are subject to the authority of a "Dina Be" (reconciliation). I am informed that most of them are zebu thieves (Dahalo). They still come armed and protected with their amulets (ody gasy) "because you never know" they tell me. They visit the Behahitse fokonolona to claim their due: nine zebus must be reimbursed to the Betioky community because a Behahitse resident stole a bicycle there. But the fokonolona of Behahitse does not agree, he finds that it is too much and contrary to the rule that was established by the Dina Be. Normally the refund should be three zebus and not nine. The two parties meet under tamarind trees near the village market. A long "kabary" (discussion, speech) of one day will finally bring the two parties together. To seal this pact, a zebu will be killed and shared.
COMMUNE ANKILIABO - Mr. Esoavinta, 51 years old, married, six children, was elected mayor of the municipality of Ankiliabo in the last municipal elections of September 2015. He was elected under the HVM party, the party of the Presidency of the Republic. The commune of Ankiliabo is reputed to be a commune sheltering many dahalo (zebu thieves) according to the military authorities. This situation bothers Mr. Esoavinta a lot. The eradication of the dahalo in his commune was one of his main campaign promises. He also wants to fight for a school to be opened in his commune and for the children to stop working in the fields. Previously Mr. Esoavinta was a farmer; he stopped school when he was 10 years old. He will confess at the end of the interview, with his big smile so particular, that it is especially the financial and material advantages of the function of mayor which attracted him and he hopes to be re-elected at the next elections.
COMMUNE ANKILIABO - Mr. Esoavinta, 51 years old, married, six children, was elected mayor of the municipality of Ankiliabo in the last municipal elections of September 2015. He was elected under the HVM party, the party of the Presidency of the Republic. The commune of Ankiliabo is reputed to be a commune sheltering many dahalo (zebu thieves) according to the military authorities. This situation bothers Mr. Esoavinta a lot. The eradication of the dahalo in his commune was one of his main campaign promises. He also wants to fight for a school to be opened in his commune and for the children to stop working in the fields. Previously Mr. Esoavinta was a farmer; he stopped school when he was 10 years old. He will confess at the end of the interview, with his big smile so particular, that it is especially the financial and material advantages of the function of mayor which attracted him and he hopes to be re-elected at the next elections.
MANAKABAHINY - Mr Randrianarivony, 62 years old, married, ten children and about twenty grandchildren, is a farmer and fokontany chief of Manakabahiny-Nord since 2007, Eastern Madagascar. Village of 2975 inhabitants according to the 2014 census. The fokontany's office, where he works and receives his citizens, is in the bedroom. Not surprising to see his wife in bed when there are guests coming. "It's because she's a little sick with all that rain..." he said. The Fokontany chief is the closest administrative authority to the Malagasy, whether in town or in the countryside. Randrianarivony explains that without the signature and stamp of Chief Fokontany, most of the administrative acts needed by the Malagasy could not be done. His budget to operate barely allows him to buy paper, notebook, pen or stamp. I have always considered the fokontany chiefs as a kind of "village chief" - the fokontany concept has existed since royal age - on which the other administrations, inherited from the colonial administrative system, rely a little too easily to disengage themselves from certain social or financial charges.
MANAKABAHINY - Mr Randrianarivony, 62 years old, married, ten children and about twenty grandchildren, is a farmer and fokontany chief of Manakabahiny-Nord since 2007, Eastern Madagascar. Village of 2975 inhabitants according to the 2014 census. The fokontany's office, where he works and receives his citizens, is in the bedroom. Not surprising to see his wife in bed when there are guests coming. "It's because she's a little sick with all that rain..." he said. The Fokontany chief is the closest administrative authority to the Malagasy, whether in town or in the countryside. Randrianarivony explains that without the signature and stamp of Chief Fokontany, most of the administrative acts needed by the Malagasy could not be done. His budget to operate barely allows him to buy paper, notebook, pen or stamp. I have always considered the fokontany chiefs as a kind of "village chief" - the fokontany concept has existed since royal age - on which the other administrations, inherited from the colonial administrative system, rely a little too easily to disengage themselves from certain social or financial charges.
FOKONTANY MANAKARALAHY NORTH - Mr Lazamana Jean-Paul is "raiamandreny" (a head of family, an "elder"). He lives in his house in the middle of the bush at the edge of the RN10 in the South of Madagascar. His house is surrounded by the houses of his descendants. When asked how many grandchildren he has, he is unable to answer them and it embarrasses him a lot.
FOKONTANY MANAKARALAHY NORTH - Mr Lazamana Jean-Paul is "raiamandreny" (a head of family, an "elder"). He lives in his house in the middle of the bush at the edge of the RN10 in the South of Madagascar. His house is surrounded by the houses of his descendants. When asked how many grandchildren he has, he is unable to answer them and it embarrasses him a lot.
ANKAZOTA LOCALITY - EFIONJONANE says he is the King of the Mahafaly ethnic group. He's 80 years old. Its power extends over the whole Mahafaly land (South-West Madagascar). Its official title is "Mpanjaka Mahafaly Linta". He proudly quotes the names of the ancient kings: his grandfather Mpanjaka Tsiverena and his father Mpanjaka Tsihazoa. He presents us his son Ehovelo who will become king after his death. There is no evidence that he is descended from the Mahafaly kings, but he shows with pride his decoration as a Knight of the National Order awarded by President Ravalomanana in 2006. He speaks of a woman who appears everywhere in the press and who claims to be the descendant of the Mahafaly kings. He affirms that she is a usurper and that only Zanahary (Malagasy animist God) will know how to recognize the truth anyway. The Mpanjaka Mahafaly receives us on the land where he lives and was born. This place is sacred and I am not allowed to photograph from the side where his house is located. A simple hut of wood and thatch. We discuss under an old sacred tamarind tree; it is here that all the battles and all the resolutions of the problems of the Mahafaly ethnic group were decided according to him. The Mpanjaka has no administrative power. But local administrations (town hall, fokontany) recognize his authority and consult him regularly for advice. His role is more social and religious. His power was conferred on him by Zanahary directly. He decides the "fady" (taboo), levies a tax if necessary, and also helps people in financial need.
ANKAZOTA SITE - EFIONJONANE says he is the King of the Mahafaly ethnic group. He's 80 years old. Its power extends over the whole Mahafaly land (South-West Madagascar). Its official title is "Mpanjaka Mahafaly Linta". He proudly quotes the names of the ancient kings: his grandfather Mpanjaka Tsiverena and his father Mpanjaka Tsihazoa. He presents us his son Ehovelo who will become king after his death. There is no evidence that he is descended from the Mahafaly kings, but he shows with pride his decoration as a Knight of the National Order awarded by President Ravalomanana in 2006. He speaks of a woman who appears everywhere in the press and who claims to be the descendant of the Mahafaly kings. He affirms that she is a usurper and that only Zanahary (Malagasy animist God) will know how to recognize the truth anyway. The Mpanjaka Mahafaly receives us on the land where he lives and was born. This place is sacred and I am not allowed to photograph from the side where his house is located. A simple hut of wood and thatch. We discuss under an old sacred tamarind tree; it is here that all the battles and all the resolutions of the problems of the Mahafaly ethnic group were decided according to him. The Mpanjaka has no administrative power. But local administrations (town hall, fokontany) recognize his authority and consult him regularly for advice. His role is more social and religious. His power was conferred on him by Zanahary directly. He decides the "fady" (taboo), levies a tax if necessary, and also helps people in financial need.
ANKAZOTA SITE - EFIONJONANE says he is the King of the Mahafaly ethnic group. He's 80 years old. Its power extends over the whole Mahafaly land (South-West Madagascar). Its official title is "Mpanjaka Mahafaly Linta". He proudly quotes the names of the ancient kings: his grandfather Mpanjaka Tsiverena and his father Mpanjaka Tsihazoa. He presents us his son Ehovelo who will become king after his death. There is no evidence that he is descended from the Mahafaly kings, but he shows with pride his decoration as a Knight of the National Order awarded by President Ravalomanana in 2006. He speaks of a woman who appears everywhere in the press and who claims to be the descendant of the Mahafaly kings. He affirms that she is a usurper and that only Zanahary (Malagasy animist God) will know how to recognize the truth anyway. The Mpanjaka Mahafaly receives us on the land where he lives and was born. This place is sacred and I am not allowed to photograph from the side where his house is located. A simple hut of wood and thatch. We discuss under an old sacred tamarind tree; it is here that all the battles and all the resolutions of the problems of the Mahafaly ethnic group were decided according to him. The Mpanjaka has no administrative power. But local administrations (town hall, fokontany) recognize his authority and consult him regularly for advice. His role is more social and religious. His power was conferred on him by Zanahary directly. He decides the "fady" (taboo), levies a tax if necessary, and also helps people in financial need.
BEKINAGNA AMBONE LOCALITY- Mr EMANINTSIDRAZA is a diviner-healer (Mpimasy), married to three women, father of 9 children and about fifty grandchildren. But he's not sure. He treats the patients with medicinal plants that he simply finds in nature. He does not know all the plants but he is in "connection" with certain spirits which reveal to him remedies for such and such health problem. Thirty-nine years ago, he realized that many spirits wanted to contact him. He had to kill a zebu and drink his blood to start communicating with them. He has no right to ask for money for his consultations. The patients give him what they want, what they can. Sometimes 100 ariary, sometimes a goat. It recognizes a patient's health problem by simply assessing pulse and blood pressure. No sophisticated device, just by touching it. he can cure stomach aches, headaches, rheumatism, coughs, he can cure a flu in one consultation. When he has no solution, he does not hesitate to advise a doctor in town. He acknowledges that he does not have an answer to everything and does not want to interfere with modern medicine. Yet conventional doctors condemn him because they consider his practices as "demonic". But he knows that people need him and have complete confidence in his medicine.
BEKINAGNA AMBONE LOCALITY- Mr EMANINTSIDRAZA is a diviner-healer (Mpimasy), married to three women, father of 9 children and about fifty grandchildren. But he's not sure. He treats the patients with medicinal plants that he simply finds in nature. He does not know all the plants but he is in "connection" with certain spirits which reveal to him remedies for such and such health problem. Thirty-nine years ago, he realized that many spirits wanted to contact him. He had to kill a zebu and drink his blood to start communicating with them. He has no right to ask for money for his consultations. The patients give him what they want, what they can. Sometimes 100 ariary, sometimes a goat. It recognizes a patient's health problem by simply assessing pulse and blood pressure. No sophisticated device, just by touching it. he can cure stomach aches, headaches, rheumatism, coughs, he can cure a flu in one consultation. When he has no solution, he does not hesitate to advise a doctor in town. He acknowledges that he does not have an answer to everything and does not want to interfere with modern medicine. Yet conventional doctors condemn him because they consider his practices as "demonic". But he knows that people need him and have complete confidence in his medicine.
BEKINAGNA AMBONE LOCALITY- Mr EMANINTSIDRAZA is a diviner-healer (Mpimasy), married to three women, father of 9 children and about fifty grandchildren. But he's not sure. He treats the patients with medicinal plants that he simply finds in nature. He does not know all the plants but he is in "connection" with certain spirits which reveal to him remedies for such and such health problem. Thirty-nine years ago, he realized that many spirits wanted to contact him. He had to kill a zebu and drink his blood to start communicating with them. He has no right to ask for money for his consultations. The patients give him what they want, what they can. Sometimes 100 ariary, sometimes a goat. It recognizes a patient's health problem by simply assessing pulse and blood pressure. No sophisticated device, just by touching it. he can cure stomach aches, headaches, rheumatism, coughs, he can cure a flu in one consultation. When he has no solution, he does not hesitate to advise a doctor in town. He acknowledges that he does not have an answer to everything and does not want to interfere with modern medicine. Yet conventional doctors condemn him because they consider his practices as "demonic". But he knows that people need him and have complete confidence in his medicine.
BETIOKY - Mr Mahatoky, married, 57, is a pastor of the Lutheran Protestant Church since 1985. He is also President of the South Betioky Regional Synod. He notes with pride that most of his parishioners are young. 80% of his parishioners are between 20 and 30 years old. He prefers to see young people coming to worship rather than staying in front of the internet and social networks. For him "God's communication system is more powerful than the new technologies of today".
BETIOKY - A parishioner attends the worship of Pastor Mahatoky.
BETIOKY - A ruined church in Betioky. The parish was never able to find the funds to renovate it.
MAHATSINJO - Mr Samson, married, 3 children, is pastor of the Protestant FJKM church at Toby Karmela. A "toby" (which can be translated as "camp") is a kind of dispensary run by "Mpiandry" (healer-exorcist) and which welcomes all sick people in need of care. I note that the majority of patients suffer from psychological disorders (depression, dementia, neurosis, psychosis, etc.). But here they are considered possessed by the devil or an evil spirit. Two or three times a week, at nightfall, the mpiandry of the Karmela toby gather the patients in the prayer room and, in the light of a small bulb, they proceed to a collective exorcism session. The patients pass in turn in front of a mpiandry, who pronounce incantations and prayers, a bible in his hand, to cast out evil eye, evil spirits, demons, or simply to psychologically prepare a fragile person not to be invaded by evil spirits. These sessions last between two and three hours. The mpiandry focus a lot on certain people, like this 13 year old girl, considered as affected by a particularly "tough" demon. They are two mpiandry "working" on her for over an hour. The strident screams of the young girl, in a state of insanity and at the end of nerve, mix with the aggressive psalmodies of the mpiandry plunging the rest of the audience into a form of collective trans.
MAHATSINJO - Mr Samson, married, 3 children, is pastor of the Protestant FJKM church at Toby Karmela. A "toby" (which can be translated as "camp") is a kind of dispensary run by "Mpiandry" (healer-exorcist) and which welcomes all sick people in need of care. I note that the majority of patients suffer from psychological disorders (depression, dementia, neurosis, psychosis, etc.). But here they are considered possessed by the devil or an evil spirit. Two or three times a week, at nightfall, the mpiandry of the Karmela toby gather the patients in the prayer room and, in the light of a small bulb, they proceed to a collective exorcism session. The patients pass in turn in front of a mpiandry, who pronounce incantations and prayers, a bible in his hand, to cast out evil eye, evil spirits, demons, or simply to psychologically prepare a fragile person not to be invaded by evil spirits. These sessions last between two and three hours. The mpiandry focus a lot on certain people, like this 13 year old girl, considered as affected by a particularly "tough" demon. They are two mpiandry "working" on her for over an hour. The strident screams of the young girl, in a state of insanity and at the end of nerve, mix with the aggressive psalmodies of the mpiandry plunging the rest of the audience into a form of collective trans.
MAHATSINJO - Mr Samson, married, 3 children, is pastor of the Protestant FJKM church at Toby Karmela. A "toby" (which can be translated as "camp") is a kind of dispensary run by "Mpiandry" (healer-exorcist) and which welcomes all sick people in need of care. I note that the majority of patients suffer from psychological disorders (depression, dementia, neurosis, psychosis, etc.). But here they are considered possessed by the devil or an evil spirit. Two or three times a week, at nightfall, the mpiandry of the Karmela toby gather the patients in the prayer room and, in the light of a small bulb, they proceed to a collective exorcism session. The patients pass in turn in front of a mpiandry, who pronounce incantations and prayers, a bible in his hand, to cast out evil eye, evil spirits, demons, or simply to psychologically prepare a fragile person not to be invaded by evil spirits. These sessions last between two and three hours. The mpiandry focus a lot on certain people, like this 13 year old girl, considered as affected by a particularly "tough" demon. They are two mpiandry "working" on her for over an hour. The strident screams of the young girl, in a state of insanity and at the end of nerve, mix with the aggressive psalmodies of the mpiandry plunging the rest of the audience into a form of collective trans.
MAHATSINJO - Exorcism session on a 13-year-old girl at Toby Karmela. A "toby" (which can be translated as "camp") is a kind of dispensary run by "Mpiandry" (healer-exorcist) and which welcomes all sick people in need of care. I note that the majority of patients suffer from psychological disorders (depression, dementia, neurosis, psychosis, etc.). But here they are considered possessed by the devil or an evil spirit. Two or three times a week, at nightfall, the mpiandry of the Karmela toby gather the patients in the prayer room and, in the light of a small bulb, they proceed to a collective exorcism session. The patients pass in turn in front of a mpiandry, who pronounce incantations and prayers, a bible in his hand, to cast out evil eye, evil spirits, demons, or simply to psychologically prepare a fragile person not to be invaded by evil spirits. These sessions last between two and three hours. The mpiandry focus a lot on certain people, like this 13 year old girl, considered as affected by a particularly "tough" demon. They are two mpiandry "working" on her for over an hour. The strident screams of the young girl, in a state of insanity and at the end of nerve, mix with the aggressive psalmodies of the mpiandry plunging the rest of the audience into a form of collective trans.
MAHATSINJO - Exorcism session on a 13-year-old girl at Toby Karmela. A "toby" (which can be translated as "camp") is a kind of dispensary run by "Mpiandry" (healer-exorcist) and which welcomes all sick people in need of care. I note that the majority of patients suffer from psychological disorders (depression, dementia, neurosis, psychosis, etc.). But here they are considered possessed by the devil or an evil spirit. Two or three times a week, at nightfall, the mpiandry of the Karmela toby gather the patients in the prayer room and, in the light of a small bulb, they proceed to a collective exorcism session. The patients pass in turn in front of a mpiandry, who pronounce incantations and prayers, a bible in his hand, to cast out evil eye, evil spirits, demons, or simply to psychologically prepare a fragile person not to be invaded by evil spirits. These sessions last between two and three hours. The mpiandry focus a lot on certain people, like this 13 year old girl, considered as affected by a particularly "tough" demon. They are two mpiandry "working" on her for over an hour. The strident screams of the young girl, in a state of insanity and at the end of nerve, mix with the aggressive psalmodies of the mpiandry plunging the rest of the audience into a form of collective trans.
AMPARAFARAVOLA - Mr. Rakotondraoasy Joelson, 54, married, is a Protestant pastor and founder of the FILAMATRA church based in the commune of Ambalafarisoa-Amparafaravola (Eastern Madagascar). Pastor Rakotondraoasy founded his church in 2012, considered as a sect by the Protestant Church. He was previously pastor of FJKM (the most important Protestant Church in Madagascar) since 1987 after studying theology in Madagascar. Speaking in perfect French, erudite in religious philosophy, he explains that he was excommunicated from the FJKM church for having established rituals and incantations forbidden by Protestant dogma: direct "connection" between the Holy Spirit and Humans, parishioners in a trance, strict application of Old Testament dogmas and rejection of the New Testament, healing by imposition of hands, etc. With his FILAMATRA church, the pastor is now free to practice his religion as he sees fit. He says he is still a Protestant in his Faith. He is very proud of his 2000 faithful, whose number grows every year, according to him, and his "synagogues" that he opened in Madagascar, Reunion, the United States and soon in Ivory Coast. He believes a lot in social networks as facebook to promote his movement. If his finances allow it one day, he plans to build a temple on the same model as the famous Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. But his presence in the area is quite controversial since seven young girls from his church were seen pregnant for no reason and at the same time. "The work of the Holy Spirit" according to Pastor Rakotondraoasy, the work of the pastor himself according to the local press.
AMPARAFARAVOLA - The FILAMATRA church based in the commune of Ambalafarisoa-Amparafaravola (Eastern Madagascar). Pastor Rakotondraoasy founded his church in 2012, considered as a sect by the Protestant Church. He was previously pastor of FJKM (the most important Protestant Church in Madagascar) since 1987 after studying theology in Madagascar. Speaking in perfect French, erudite in religious philosophy, he explains that he was excommunicated from the FJKM church for having established rituals and incantations forbidden by Protestant dogma: direct "connection" between the Holy Spirit and Humans, parishioners in a trance, strict application of Old Testament dogmas and rejection of the New Testament, healing by imposition of hands, etc. With his FILAMATRA church, the pastor is now free to practice his religion as he sees fit. He says he is still a Protestant in his Faith. He is very proud of his 2000 faithful, whose number grows every year, according to him, and his "synagogues" that he opened in Madagascar, Reunion, the United States and soon in Ivory Coast. He believes a lot in social networks as facebook to promote his movement. If his finances allow it one day, he plans to build a temple on the same model as the famous Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. But his presence in the area is quite controversial since seven young girls from his church were seen pregnant for no reason and at the same time. "The work of the Holy Spirit" according to Pastor Rakotondraoasy, the work of the pastor himself according to the local press.
AMPARAFARAVOLA - The FILAMATRA church based in the commune of Ambalafarisoa-Amparafaravola (Eastern Madagascar). Pastor Rakotondraoasy founded his church in 2012, considered as a sect by the Protestant Church. He was previously pastor of FJKM (the most important Protestant Church in Madagascar) since 1987 after studying theology in Madagascar. Speaking in perfect French, erudite in religious philosophy, he explains that he was excommunicated from the FJKM church for having established rituals and incantations forbidden by Protestant dogma: direct "connection" between the Holy Spirit and Humans, parishioners in a trance, strict application of Old Testament dogmas and rejection of the New Testament, healing by imposition of hands, etc. With his FILAMATRA church, the pastor is now free to practice his religion as he sees fit. He says he is still a Protestant in his Faith. He is very proud of his 2000 faithful, whose number grows every year, according to him, and his "synagogues" that he opened in Madagascar, Reunion, the United States and soon in Ivory Coast. He believes a lot in social networks as facebook to promote his movement. If his finances allow it one day, he plans to build a temple on the same model as the famous Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. But his presence in the area is quite controversial since seven young girls from his church were seen pregnant for no reason and at the same time. "The work of the Holy Spirit" according to Pastor Rakotondraoasy, the work of the pastor himself according to the local press.
AMPARAFARAVOLA - The FILAMATRA church based in the commune of Ambalafarisoa-Amparafaravola (Eastern Madagascar). Pastor Rakotondraoasy founded his church in 2012, considered as a sect by the Protestant Church. He was previously pastor of FJKM (the most important Protestant Church in Madagascar) since 1987 after studying theology in Madagascar. Speaking in perfect French, erudite in religious philosophy, he explains that he was excommunicated from the FJKM church for having established rituals and incantations forbidden by Protestant dogma: direct "connection" between the Holy Spirit and Humans, parishioners in a trance, strict application of Old Testament dogmas and rejection of the New Testament, healing by imposition of hands, etc. With his FILAMATRA church, the pastor is now free to practice his religion as he sees fit. He says he is still a Protestant in his Faith. He is very proud of his 2000 faithful, whose number grows every year, according to him, and his "synagogues" that he opened in Madagascar, Reunion, the United States and soon in Ivory Coast. He believes a lot in social networks as facebook to promote his movement. If his finances allow it one day, he plans to build a temple on the same model as the famous Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. But his presence in the area is quite controversial since seven young girls from his church were seen pregnant for no reason and at the same time. "The work of the Holy Spirit" according to Pastor Rakotondraoasy, the work of the pastor himself according to the local press.
AMPARAFARAVOLA - The FILAMATRA church based in the commune of Ambalafarisoa-Amparafaravola (Eastern Madagascar). Pastor Rakotondraoasy founded his church in 2012, considered as a sect by the Protestant Church. He was previously pastor of FJKM (the most important Protestant Church in Madagascar) since 1987 after studying theology in Madagascar. Speaking in perfect French, erudite in religious philosophy, he explains that he was excommunicated from the FJKM church for having established rituals and incantations forbidden by Protestant dogma: direct "connection" between the Holy Spirit and Humans, parishioners in a trance, strict application of Old Testament dogmas and rejection of the New Testament, healing by imposition of hands, etc. With his FILAMATRA church, the pastor is now free to practice his religion as he sees fit. He says he is still a Protestant in his Faith. He is very proud of his 2000 faithful, whose number grows every year, according to him, and his "synagogues" that he opened in Madagascar, Reunion, the United States and soon in Ivory Coast. He believes a lot in social networks as facebook to promote his movement. If his finances allow it one day, he plans to build a temple on the same model as the famous Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. But his presence in the area is quite controversial since seven young girls from his church were seen pregnant for no reason and at the same time. "The work of the Holy Spirit" according to Pastor Rakotondraoasy, the work of the pastor himself according to the local press.
AMPARAFARAVOLA - The FILAMATRA church based in the commune of Ambalafarisoa-Amparafaravola (Eastern Madagascar). Pastor Rakotondraoasy founded his church in 2012, considered as a sect by the Protestant Church. He was previously pastor of FJKM (the most important Protestant Church in Madagascar) since 1987 after studying theology in Madagascar. Speaking in perfect French, erudite in religious philosophy, he explains that he was excommunicated from the FJKM church for having established rituals and incantations forbidden by Protestant dogma: direct "connection" between the Holy Spirit and Humans, parishioners in a trance, strict application of Old Testament dogmas and rejection of the New Testament, healing by imposition of hands, etc. With his FILAMATRA church, the pastor is now free to practice his religion as he sees fit. He says he is still a Protestant in his Faith. He is very proud of his 2000 faithful, whose number grows every year, according to him, and his "synagogues" that he opened in Madagascar, Reunion, the United States and soon in Ivory Coast. He believes a lot in social networks as facebook to promote his movement. If his finances allow it one day, he plans to build a temple on the same model as the famous Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. But his presence in the area is quite controversial since seven young girls from his church were seen pregnant for no reason and at the same time. "The work of the Holy Spirit" according to Pastor Rakotondraoasy, the work of the pastor himself according to the local press.
AMPARAFARAVOLA - The FILAMATRA church based in the commune of Ambalafarisoa-Amparafaravola (Eastern Madagascar). Pastor Rakotondraoasy founded his church in 2012, considered as a sect by the Protestant Church. He was previously pastor of FJKM (the most important Protestant Church in Madagascar) since 1987 after studying theology in Madagascar. Speaking in perfect French, erudite in religious philosophy, he explains that he was excommunicated from the FJKM church for having established rituals and incantations forbidden by Protestant dogma: direct "connection" between the Holy Spirit and Humans, parishioners in a trance, strict application of Old Testament dogmas and rejection of the New Testament, healing by imposition of hands, etc. With his FILAMATRA church, the pastor is now free to practice his religion as he sees fit. He says he is still a Protestant in his Faith. He is very proud of his 2000 faithful, whose number grows every year, according to him, and his "synagogues" that he opened in Madagascar, Reunion, the United States and soon in Ivory Coast. He believes a lot in social networks as facebook to promote his movement. If his finances allow it one day, he plans to build a temple on the same model as the famous Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. But his presence in the area is quite controversial since seven young girls from his church were seen pregnant for no reason and at the same time. "The work of the Holy Spirit" according to Pastor Rakotondraoasy, the work of the pastor himself according to the local press.
MANGALAZA COMMUNE - Mr. Odet Rafaralahy works as cultural manager in the Alaotra Mangoro Regional Council. But above all, he is the president and founder of the ANTALAOTRA association, the largest cultural association in this part of Madagascar, whose mission is to promote and make known the rites, cults and traditions of the Alaotra Mangoro region, a sacred region according to Odet Rafaralahy. Created in 2014, the association already has 37,000 members. Most of them are Mpanazary that can be translated as spiritual guide, diviner, medium. The literal translation is "bewitching". The Mpanazary are almost considered as " demi-gods ". Their dreams, predictions and premonitions are respected and followed by the people of the region and even by the civil and administrative authorities. The region around Lake Alaotra (North-East of Madagascar) is one of the richest agricultural regions in Madagascar. It is considered the "rice granary" of the Big Island. Some argue without hesitation that it is because of the sacred character of the region and its particular cultural practices that the region is so prosperous. Today, as every year, the local population and some Mpanazary go to a sacred hill near the village of Mangalaza to invoke the spirits of the ancestors (Tromba) and ask Zanahary (animist Malagasy God) and Andriamanitra (Christian God) to kindly bring again the beneficial rains for next October that will grow the crops. Each Mpanazary has its specialty: some can bring rain, some can stop cyclones, others can drive out evil spirits. The patients take the opportunity to be treated by the Mpanazary-healer. .
MANGALAZA COMMUNE - Mr. Odet Rafaralahy works as cultural manager in the Alaotra Mangoro Regional Council. But above all, he is the president and founder of the ANTALAOTRA association, the largest cultural association in this part of Madagascar, whose mission is to promote and make known the rites, cults and traditions of the Alaotra Mangoro region, a sacred region according to Odet Rafaralahy. Created in 2014, the association already has 37,000 members. Most of them are Mpanazary that can be translated as spiritual guide, diviner, medium. The literal translation is "bewitching". The Mpanazary are almost considered as " demi-gods ". Their dreams, predictions and premonitions are respected and followed by the people of the region and even by the civil and administrative authorities. The region around Lake Alaotra (North-East of Madagascar) is one of the richest agricultural regions in Madagascar. It is considered the "rice granary" of the Big Island. Some argue without hesitation that it is because of the sacred character of the region and its particular cultural practices that the region is so prosperous. Today, as every year, the local population and some Mpanazary go to a sacred hill near the village of Mangalaza to invoke the spirits of the ancestors (Tromba) and ask Zanahary (animist Malagasy God) and Andriamanitra (Christian God) to kindly bring again the beneficial rains for next October that will grow the crops. Each Mpanazary has its specialty: some can bring rain, some can stop cyclones, others can drive out evil spirits. The patients take the opportunity to be treated by the Mpanazary-healer. .
MANGALAZA COMMUNE - "Mpanazary" in the middle of a trans session. They are members of the ANTALAOTRA association, the largest cultural association in this part of Madagascar, whose mission is to promote and make known the rites, cults and traditions of the Alaotra Mangoro region, a sacred region according. Created in 2014, the association already has 37,000 members. Most of them are Mpanazary that can be translated as spiritual guide, diviner, medium. The literal translation is "bewitching". The Mpanazary are almost considered as " demi-gods ". Their dreams, predictions and premonitions are respected and followed by the people of the region and even by the civil and administrative authorities. The region around Lake Alaotra (North-East of Madagascar) is one of the richest agricultural regions in Madagascar. It is considered the "rice granary" of the Big Island. Some argue without hesitation that it is because of the sacred character of the region and its particular cultural practices that the region is so prosperous. Today, as every year, the local population and some Mpanazary go to a sacred hill near the village of Mangalaza to invoke the spirits of the ancestors (Tromba) and ask Zanahary (animist Malagasy God) and Andriamanitra (Christian God) to kindly bring again the beneficial rains for next October that will grow the crops. Each Mpanazary has its specialty: some can bring rain, some can stop cyclones, others can drive out evil spirits. The patients take the opportunity to be treated by the Mpanazary-healer. .
MANGALAZA COMMUNE - "Mpanazary" in the middle of a trans session. They are members of the ANTALAOTRA association, the largest cultural association in this part of Madagascar, whose mission is to promote and make known the rites, cults and traditions of the Alaotra Mangoro region, a sacred region according. Created in 2014, the association already has 37,000 members. Most of them are Mpanazary that can be translated as spiritual guide, diviner, medium. The literal translation is "bewitching". The Mpanazary are almost considered as " demi-gods ". Their dreams, predictions and premonitions are respected and followed by the people of the region and even by the civil and administrative authorities. The region around Lake Alaotra (North-East of Madagascar) is one of the richest agricultural regions in Madagascar. It is considered the "rice granary" of the Big Island. Some argue without hesitation that it is because of the sacred character of the region and its particular cultural practices that the region is so prosperous. Today, as every year, the local population and some Mpanazary go to a sacred hill near the village of Mangalaza to invoke the spirits of the ancestors (Tromba) and ask Zanahary (animist Malagasy God) and Andriamanitra (Christian God) to kindly bring again the beneficial rains for next October that will grow the crops. Each Mpanazary has its specialty: some can bring rain, some can stop cyclones, others can drive out evil spirits. The patients take the opportunity to be treated by the Mpanazary-healer. .
MANGALAZA COMMUNE - "Mpanazary" in the middle of a trans session. They are members of the ANTALAOTRA association, the largest cultural association in this part of Madagascar, whose mission is to promote and make known the rites, cults and traditions of the Alaotra Mangoro region, a sacred region according. Created in 2014, the association already has 37,000 members. Most of them are Mpanazary that can be translated as spiritual guide, diviner, medium. The literal translation is "bewitching". The Mpanazary are almost considered as " demi-gods ". Their dreams, predictions and premonitions are respected and followed by the people of the region and even by the civil and administrative authorities. The region around Lake Alaotra (North-East of Madagascar) is one of the richest agricultural regions in Madagascar. It is considered the "rice granary" of the Big Island. Some argue without hesitation that it is because of the sacred character of the region and its particular cultural practices that the region is so prosperous. Today, as every year, the local population and some Mpanazary go to a sacred hill near the village of Mangalaza to invoke the spirits of the ancestors (Tromba) and ask Zanahary (animist Malagasy God) and Andriamanitra (Christian God) to kindly bring again the beneficial rains for next October that will grow the crops. Each Mpanazary has its specialty: some can bring rain, some can stop cyclones, others can drive out evil spirits. The patients take the opportunity to be treated by the Mpanazary-healer. .
MANGALAZA COMMUNE - "Mpanazary" in the middle of a trans session. They are members of the ANTALAOTRA association, the largest cultural association in this part of Madagascar, whose mission is to promote and make known the rites, cults and traditions of the Alaotra Mangoro region, a sacred region according. Created in 2014, the association already has 37,000 members. Most of them are Mpanazary that can be translated as spiritual guide, diviner, medium. The literal translation is "bewitching". The Mpanazary are almost considered as " demi-gods ". Their dreams, predictions and premonitions are respected and followed by the people of the region and even by the civil and administrative authorities. The region around Lake Alaotra (North-East of Madagascar) is one of the richest agricultural regions in Madagascar. It is considered the "rice granary" of the Big Island. Some argue without hesitation that it is because of the sacred character of the region and its particular cultural practices that the region is so prosperous. Today, as every year, the local population and some Mpanazary go to a sacred hill near the village of Mangalaza to invoke the spirits of the ancestors (Tromba) and ask Zanahary (animist Malagasy God) and Andriamanitra (Christian God) to kindly bring again the beneficial rains for next October that will grow the crops. Each Mpanazary has its specialty: some can bring rain, some can stop cyclones, others can drive out evil spirits. The patients take the opportunity to be treated by the Mpanazary-healer. .