31
• History of Moramanga
Located south of upstream Mangoro River, Moramanga
8
has gradually become the main city of Ankay. Its predominance comes
at the expense of Ambohitrony, the traditional capital of the Bezanozano region, a group known for their hatred of any form of
allegiance. At the time when the first Malagasy kingdoms began to rise in the 17th century, this area was a place of refuge for those
wishing to escape the new rulers of neighbouring kingdoms.
Disobedient to all authorities, the residents of Moramanga have always fought for their freedom. It was only the French, laden with
weapons, who defeated them. History however, proved that this was only temporary: during the nationalist movement of 1947, the
French garrison in Moramanga was the first to be attacked. This city was crucial at the time of the slave trade; the word
manga
9
is
also a euphemism for slaves.
Located near the capital, Antananarivo, and straddling the road to Toamasina, Moramanga has been a famous commercial hub since
the early 19th century. It was almost a mandatory passage for everyone travelling between Antananarivo and Toamasina. During the
slave trade, Moramanga was best known for its large zebu and slave market. Transportation of goods was mainly ensured by the
slaves and then by men known as
maromita
. Each individual could carry up to 70 kilos. Their organization enabled them to transport
goods as heavy and as large as harmoniums, cabinets, printing machines, etc.
In the early 20th century, the geographical position of Moramanga was one of the main causes for massive colonial settlement.
They exploited vast agricultural and mining concessions. Today mining activities continue with graphite operations in Andasibe
and Ambatovy joins them with its nickel mining. This relative prosperity, combined with the completion of rail lines (TCE and MLA)
9
attracted many Asian traders - some of whom were former coolies
10
, brought to Madagascar for the construction of the railway.
Very quickly, Moramanga was seen as a rich city, a reputation which attracted envy. Gangs began to organize themselves and an
environment of insecurity prevailed. Anxious to restore law and order to protect the French nationals who owned large concessions,
the French administration installed a military garrison in Moramanga. Unsurprisingly, in 1947, the first clashes for the liberation of the
country took place here. Since then, Malagasy political leaders have chosen this city as a symbol of this fight. Every year on March
29th, an official commemoration ceremony is held in Moramanga. In addition to a monument erected in the city, a former mass grave
six kilometers away, has been converted into a memorial site in memory of the martyrs in the fight for independence.
8
Moramanga: The word
manga
is a word used in order to avoid using the term andevo or slaves. The prefix
mora
means easy or cheap. There were so many slaves for sale in this region that they were fairly
easy to buy at a cheap price. This is one of the most accepted interpretations.
9
TCE, or Tananarive East Coast and MLA or Moramanga-Alaotra Lake. The junction of these two lines is in Moramanga
10
Coolie (also cooly, kuli, ‘quli, koelie, etc.) is a term used in the 19th century to refer to immigrant workers from Asia. The word is now used in a pejorative way.
