Madagascar celebrates 56th anniversary of independence

Antananarivo, June 27: Madagascar has celebrated its 56th anniversary of independence from France with the theme "Modern and prosperous Madagascar, a shared goal".

Fireworks show on Saturday evening marked the celebration of national day, which continued on Sunday with a military parade at the capital, Xinhua news agency reported.

The celebration was followed by a banquet offered at the presidency.

During his national address at the banquet, Madagascar President Hery Rajaonarimampianina said that Madagascar still remains among the poorest in the world and its economy still depends on external aid because of cyclical political instability despite having gained independence since 1960.

"Madagascar had 13 heads of state since its independence but only six of them seized the power by election," he said.

"Madagascar's development needs political appeasement. We should respect people's choice by waiting election rather than trying to seize power by road demonstration," he said.

The president also highlighted the inauguration of infrastructure to boost agriculture in the southwest of the country this year.

Madagascar got its independence from France on June 26, 1960 after being colonised for 64 years.

IANS