Speech by the President, Andry Rajoelina, on Tuesday 07 February 2024, at the monument of the martyrs of 07 February 2009, in front of the State Palace of Ambohitsorohitra.
Congratulations to all of us gathered here today, on this day we cannot forget, a historic day, a day to remember because it is also a sad day to remember those who fell in this place 15 years ago.
07 February 2009 – 07 February 2024. 15 years ago, in this place, the gunshots, the screams and the screams, and the sadness and the tears are also in the heart. We can’t forget what happened here and remember today, those who fell in this place because of the struggle that was done, the patriotism that burns in the heart and the desire to develop the country that flows in their blood. .
That’s why I continue to support the families of those who lost their lives, and most of all I want to tell you, the struggle that was done is not lost, and most of all I want to tell you: the struggle is not lost. which was done. And, above all, what I want to emphasize is simple: everything we have done, up until now, we have entrusted to God.
And that’s why I brought to us the words of the scriptures in the A proverb that says: “Commit your work to the Lord, to Jehovah and your plans will be fulfilled.”
That is the reason, in 2010, when we changed the constitution, the motto, the flag of the Republic, I changed it to read: Love-Country-Progress.
Because patriotism brings progress in this beloved country. And it is in this belief that we have set our path and everything we will do to develop this country. When everything is entrusted to the Lord, when everything is entrusted to Jehovah, all the work that we will do will be perfect and complete.
That’s why we are still here today, because we were chosen by God and chosen by the Malagasy people to manage and rule this country, because we entrusted everything to him. And I believe and believe that what is in our hearts must be fulfilled, something that we desire in this country, namely that Madagascar must move forward.
And that patriotism is what commands us, in everything and every work that we will do. If there is something that we do not want to return to this country, it is the use of weapons to kill people who disagree with you. Therefore, it is condemned in any way to use weapons that will be used to destroy, to kill fellow Malagasy citizens. to you.
I have said here last year: it is our duty to forgive those who have done us wrong, in the words that we say every day. And that’s what I told you: when you do the right thing, when you do the right thing, you have to survive in everything that is done, especially in the sacred duty that we are called to do in this country.
Here I turn to you who are friends, who are comrades in arms. I can see the sadness and tears reflected in your face right now. And, above all, I know that what happened here 15 years ago is still stuck in our hearts, at this hour and time. Because this is where our friends fell, this is where our relatives fell, this is where our children, our parents fell.
And this is what I will say to you: I am leading you to develop this beloved country. The things we have done, the efforts we have made, the patriotism in our hearts to develop this country will not be wasted. And most of all, all of you: don’t give up, keep going. God will fill the void in each of you. As human beings, we are here to support each other, to help each other, to give each other a hand, to correct each other and to move forward together in the goals that we each set.
ANDO Ratovonirina’s photojournalist was buried HERE
So for you elected officials, for all elected officials, I would like to convey a message: there was a struggle in this country, and this struggle was a big thing, but it didn’t happen by chance, it didn’t happen all the time.
That’s why we need a hand-to-hand relationship, a handshake to look after the interests of the many in the duties and responsibilities that each of us is responsible for. When that is settled, believe me that there is nothing difficult that we cannot do and there is no development that we set and sing for that will not be achieved, but all the Development of Madagascar that we will do must be achieved.
The struggle continues. We look to the past, and we also look to the future. So what I told you is: let us always be united, we will not agree to be divided, we will not agree to be armed, but the victory that we will get is our unity.
The homeland is too sacred and we all must win, and Madagascar must move forward./.
Recorded by: Jeannot RAMAMBAZAFY
Photo: Andry RAKOTONIRAINY – Harilala RANDRIANARISON
REVIEWED FEBRUARY 7, 2009 LINE UP
