Biased justice, controlled economy, monopolized wealth: a triptych of inequalities

Mis à jour le 21 May 2026

In 2026, Madagascar finds itself at a critical crossroads where the emergence of spectacular judicial reforms contrasts sharply with an economic reality deeply corrupted by dynamics of monopolized wealth accumulation. Malagasy society is experiencing a clear divide between a judicial system that demonstrates a willingness to strengthen the rule of law through exemplary arrests and the prosecution of political and economic figures, and an economy controlled by a dominant class that concentrates vital resources such as energy, land, and international contracts. This dichotomy raises a fundamental question: by asserting its influence in high-profile cases, does justice truly succeed in influencing the dynamics of economic power and restoring social equity? The current situation prompts reflection on the true etymology of justice in a context where, paradoxically, a minority monopolizes access to resources, thus reinforcing a social inequality conducive to discrimination and corruption. Selective justice: instrumentalization to legitimize power.

Recent actions by the Independent Anti-Corruption Bureau (BIANCO) and the Malagasy public prosecutor’s office illustrate a stated desire to combat inaction, perceived as biased justice, often accused of exclusively targeting certain individuals linked to the opposition or controversial figures in power. The indictment of figures involved in land disputes or offshore finance is part of a strategy to reassert judicial authority, but does this approach truly foreshadow structural change or is it simply a public relations exercise? Indeed, the perception of a two-tiered justice system—capable of investigating, prosecuting, and convicting some while leaving other major players in the shadows—fuels distrust of an institution that struggles to break free from its historical ties to the dominant political and economic class. It is crucial to understand whether these often high-profile prosecutions are driven by a logic of transparency or serve to defuse social unrest by targeting specific offenses or individuals for the purpose of legitimizing the system.

The Limits of a Spectacularly Committed Justice System

Analyses demonstrate that the apparent agility of the Malagasy justice system in prosecuting a few sensitive cases is not enough to bring about lasting change. Corruption, discrimination in access to resources, and the concentration of wealth hinder any real redistribution. The justice system must move beyond its negotiated narrative to become a lever creating a genuine counterweight.

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The Challenges of Energy Dependency: A Barrierce to Economic Development

The true root of Madagascar’s economic stagnation lies largely in its chronic dependence on an energy sector that remains expensive, opaque, and controlled by private actors linked to the dominant economic class. The disastrous situation of JIRAMA, which struggles to ensure a stable and affordable electricity supply, reveals an unbalanced system conducive to the monopolization of essential energy resources. Dependence on fuel imports, coupled with massive technical losses in infrastructure, undermines economic sovereignty and fuels a spiral where production costs far exceed selling prices, exacerbating the state’s financial deficit. The issue is not merely technical, but strategic: how to revitalize a sluggish economy when control of energy in its various forms eludes the state, thus strengthening the power of private actors?

The technical and financial challenges of energy reform

The Diapason report highlights a critical situation: losses exceeding 30%, dependence on imported fuels, and an unsustainable production cost over time. The concentration of private partners like Axian and Jovena, along with the complexity of the contracts, fuels mistrust and the perception of a locked-down system. Transparency is becoming essential—a public registry of energy contracts could make all the difference in restoring public confidence.

Economic elites: an invisible power shaping social injustice

In a country where the majority of the population suffers from increasing insecurity, a mysterious minority is rapidly becoming wealthy. Economic mapping reveals that these actors control significant market segments, particularly in energy, telecommunications, and land management. Their economic power, fueled by opaque contracts and influence in the political sphere, exacerbates social inequalities by limiting access to essential resources for the rest of society. The paradox of Madagascar, where private wealth thrives during a period of general decline, is rooted in a logic of rent-seeking and monopoly, reinforcing a system where impunity and discrimination remain pervasive.

Strategies for Enrichment in a Compartmentalized System

The groups controlling the energy and land sectors exploit contractual asymmetries, increased reliance on foreign currency, and the ability to exert pressure through their debt. Economic concentration becomes a barrier to any real redistribution, enriching an elite that appropriates an artificial rent at the expense of the rest of the population. Full transparency in contracts, combined with strict regulation, could ultimately begin to defuse this mechanism.

The deep divide between a privileged class and a marginalized majority continues to widen. Disparities in access to resources, particularly energy, fuel resentment that can escalate into violence or large-scale social movements. The perception of partial justice, manipulated by private interests, focuses frustration on blatant injustice. Furthermore, the concentration of wealth in the hands of a minority undermines social cohesion and weakens the national fabric, already strained by the chronic energy crisis.

Combating the Social Divide: A Crucial Step

It is urgent to implement effective redistribution policies, including fair taxation and reform of access to public resources. Transparency in contracts and the fight against corruption must become the foundation of a new social contract. In this sense, a profound reform of social justice is essential to restore trust and free society from its system of endemic inequality.

Strengthening anti-corruption institutions

Ensuring impartiality and justice

Restoring Citizen Trust

Progressive Tax Reform

Redistributing the Economy

Reducing Social Inequalities

How can the justice system truly influence wealth distribution in Madagascar?

By strengthening contract transparency and effectively prosecuting corruption, the justice system can establish a fair environment where the ruling class does not monopolize all access to resources. Publishing contracts and auditing costs sheds light on the mechanisms of monopoly and holds stakeholders accountable.