NOSY MITSIO: A VERY CONCERNING UPDATE AND STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE COMMUNITY – Newsletter n°226 (ENG)

On December 18, 2024, the media outlet Africa Intelligence reported that the Chairman of the Emirati company Emaar Properties, a leading investor specializing in the development of ultra-luxurious tourist destinations, had arrived in Nosy Be and would remain there until December 25.

During his stay, negotiations concerning Nosy Mitsio were expected to be finalized with President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar.

In response, civil society organizations, whose names appear at the signature line, addressed the following message—written in three languages—to the Chairman of Emaar Properties.

The same letter was sent to the President of the Republic of Madagascar, with slight adaptations to the first two paragraphs.

To the Attention of Mr. Mohamed Alabbar,
Chairman of Emaar Properties

Dear Mr. Chairman,

Having learned through the media about your current visit to Nosy Be, we, the undersigned civil society organizations, extend our greetings to you.

The media has also informed us that during your stay, you plan to meet with the President of the Republic of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, to finalize a deal regarding the Nosy Mitsio archipelago.

The purpose of this message is to emphasize that on Nosy Mitsio, which is the largest island of the archipelago, more than a thousand people—men, women, and children, who are human beings just like you and us—live there, and that their fundamental human rights must be respected.

To the best of our knowledge, the communities who live on the island have never been clearly or officially informed about the proposed tourism project that was mentioned in the media by State authorities and is most likely discussed with investors.

These authorities have never organized a meeting with the fokonolona—the local communities of this island—despite the crucial importance accorded to dialogue and consultation in Malagasy customs and traditions. Furthermore, international legal principles require prior information and consent from communities impacted by investment projects.

It is possible that the concerned State officials hesitate to inform the Nosy Mitsio communities, as they know that they might strongly oppose the commodification of their land and island.

Additionally, Malagasy national law explicitly prohibits the sale of islands and the leasing of the 25-meter coastal zone across the national territory.

We strongly support the people of Nosy Mitsio:

• in defending the lands inherited from their ancestors, which are their primary means of livelihood;
• in preserving their culture and safeguarding the progress they have made in their journey towards sustainable development.

Appealing to your wisdom and humanity, we present you, Mr. Chairman, with our most respectful greetings.

20 December 2024