From the flood of news that feeds our newspapers every day, sometimes cases emerge that leave us speechless and arouse indignation. This is the case of the recent trafficking cases that shook Madagascar, highlighting reprehensible practices and unexpected actors.
The image of gold bars discovered in a diplomatic bag bound for Dubai evokes a scenario worthy of a film. Fifty-three kilos of gold hidden, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs implicated, false documents signed and a leak to boot. This incredible picture emerges as a reflection of a reality where the lure of gain and corruption mix in the spheres of power.
On a different note, the discovery of 113 protected turtles in a car belonging to a member of parliament and parliamentary collaborators raises questions about the preservation of biodiversity in Madagascar. The transport and commercialization of these species are severely punished by law, but this has not prevented these individuals from engaging in this illicit trafficking.
Faced with these scandals, civil society is mobilizing and denouncing the weakening of the rule of law in the face of those who are supposed to protect it. The organizations are calling for exemplary sanctions to put an end to these actions that are detrimental to the reputation of the country and its environment.
These cases reveal a darker reality behind the scenes of power and governance in Madagascar. They also highlight the urgency of strengthening control mechanisms and the fight against corruption and trafficking in protected species to preserve the dignity and integrity of the country. May these events serve as a trigger for a profound and lasting change in the management of public affairs and the protection of the environment.