Jean Ralaimongo

Jean Ralaimongo (1885–1944) was a teacher who came to prominence after campaigning to get the French government to give citizenship to the people of Madagascar. Ralaimongo wanted Madagascar to become a French département and therefore part of France. He came to prominence after 3,000 demonstrated following speeches in a cinema in 1929.

In 1913, the Vy Vato Sakelika was formed. Nominally a cultural organisation, the literal translation of VVS as the iron and steel network gives better clues to its intentions. The authorities convinced by its cell network, sentenced some members to imprisonment in 1916 using tribunal power. These sentences were not removed until November 1922. Ralaimongo returned to Madagascar later that year and became involved with labour relations. A system was introduced by the French to put forward two committees that would be delegates for the people views, but these people had no power.

In 1929,

Afterwards

Ralaimongo died in 1944 and it was only at the end of World War II that the French Government allowed some form of democracy. but later estimates put the figure as low as 11,000.

Madagascar gained its independence on 26 June 1960.