Madagascar considers restoring compulsory national service
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Madagascar Tribune
Madagascar’s president, Michaël Randrianirina, has said his government is considering restoring compulsory national service, potentially for a few months, to strengthen discipline and patriotism among young people. No final decision has been taken, according to Madagascar Tribune, which recalls that the scheme was introduced under Didier Ratsiraka.
Madagascar’s president of the Refoundation, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, announced on Saturday in Ihosy that his government was considering restoring compulsory national service, which has not been carried out on a large scale for more than three decades. He said it could last only a few months and justified the proposal by the need to strengthen discipline, respect for elders, a sense of responsibility and patriotism among young people, according to Madagascar Tribune.
No final decision has been announced. The scheme was established by an ordinance dated 16 February 1978, under the presidency of Didier Ratsiraka, to contribute to territorial defence and economic and social development. Those called up could be assigned to teaching, agricultural work, administrative services or collective projects, Madagascar Tribune reports.
Mass recruitment gradually declined in the late 1980s, in particular because of its cost and the difficulties of supervision. A decree dated 13 March 1992 subsequently introduced voluntary national service outside the armed forces. A return to compulsory service would require funding accommodation facilities, supervisors, equipment, food and healthcare for thousands of young people, while setting age groups and the length of service, according to Madagascar Tribune.
