Imerina

Flag of the Republic of Imerina

The Republic of Imerina, formerly known as the Kingdom of Imerina, is a Democratic Republic situated on the island of Madagascar. The kingdom of Aquitaine used Imerina as a through-port to India, which both kingdoms benefited from. In the modern era it still exists as a through-port, though less so since the creation of the Suez Canal.

The Zalim crisis and the later Great Decline severely hampered Imerina's socioeconomic stability. Despite being one of the few places left in Africa with working infrastructure and civilization, a large portion (40%) of the population consists of the elderly and those who cannot otherwise work, leaving the rest of the population to keep the country afloat.

## Transition from Kingdom to Republic

In 1854, Queen Ranavalona I ruled over the Kingdom of Imerina with an iron fist. Her reign was marked by isolationism and a fierce resistance against European colonial powers seeking to exert their influence over the island. Her traditionalist policies of persecuting Christians fuelled dissent in her people, especially her son and heir Prince Rakoto.

Rakoto, who was known to be charismatic and influential, rallied the people of Imerina to voice their concerns and convert the country to a constitutional monarchy. However, once Ranavalona learned of her son's treachery, she disinherited his son and made her nephew, Rainimaharo, her heir instead. Rainimaharo proved that he would continue Ranavalona's policies and wishes beyond her death and his. This angered Rakoto and the people of Imerina, which pushed them to embrace a more radical idea -- An Imerinan Republic.

In 1861, Queen Ranavalona passed away. While the coronation of Rainimaharo (Stylized as Radama II) was underway, a group of revolutionaries who saw Rakoto as the rightful heir to the throne launched a daring attack. Using a barrel of gunpowder intended for the funeral of Ranavalona, they sabotaged the funeral and attempted to assassinate Rainimaharo. This attempt on the newly crowned king's life ignited the flames of the Imerinan Civil War.

### Imerinan Civil War

The Republican and Traditionalist forces would throw the nation into six years of chaos. Families were torn apart between the two leaders, communities shattered and burned.

The turning point of the war in the Republic's favor would be attributed to the speech Rakoto gave to the people at the Battle of Antsirabe:

>
> #### Rakoto's Speech
>
>
>

> *Soldiers of the Republic!*
>
>
> *Today, we stand on the precipice of history, united by a common purpose and bound by our unwavering determination to forge a new path for our beloved Imerina. We find ourselves at a critical juncture, where the destiny of our nation hangs in the balance. But fear not, for it is in moments like these that true heroes rise! Look around you, my fellow patriots. Look at the brave souls who stand shoulder to shoulder, ready to fight for the principles we hold dear. We are not just an army; we are the embodiment of hope, the vanguards of change, and the architects of a brighter future. Each one of you carries within you the indomitable spirit of our people, the spirit that will guide us through the darkest of times and propel us towards greatness.*
>
>
> *We have endured the shackles of oppression for far too long. The time has come to break free from the chains that bind us and reclaim our rightful place in history. We fight not merely for our personal ambitions or individual glory, but for the ideals that define us as a nation—the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality. Imerina deserves better than the heavy hand of tyranny. Our ancestors, the great leaders who came before us, fought valiantly to protect our sovereignty and preserve our unique heritage. It is our duty to honor their sacrifices and carry the torch of their legacy forward. In our pursuit of a republic, we seek not to discard our traditions or forsake our cultural identity. On the contrary, we strive to build a nation where every citizen can partake in the shaping of our collective destiny, regardless of their background or station in life. The republic we envision is a beacon of progress, where the rights of the individual are safeguarded, where opportunity is accessible to all, and where the voice of every citizen is heard and respected.*
>
>
> *But let us not be naive, my comrades. The path ahead will be treacherous, and the trials we face will test our resolve. Our adversaries will throw everything they have at us, driven by their desire to maintain the status quo. They will try to sow seeds of doubt in our hearts, to undermine our unity, and to extinguish the flame of freedom that burns within us. But we will not falter! We will not yield! We will rise above the challenges and prove to the world that the spirit of Imerina cannot be subdued. Our struggle is not in vain, for it is rooted in the very essence of who we are as a people—a people who refuse to bow down, a people who dare to dream, and a people who believe in the power of unity and justice. Remember, my brothers and sisters, that the strength of our cause lies not only in the might of our arms but in the righteousness of our purpose. It is the fire of justice that burns within us, the unwavering belief that we are fighting for something greater than ourselves, that will propel us to victory.*
>
>
> *Today, I call upon each and every one of you to embrace the spirit of courage and sacrifice. Let it guide you in the face of adversity and inspire you to go beyond your limits. Together, we will march towards a future where the Republic of Imerina shines as a beacon of freedom, prosperity, and dignity.*
>
>
> *Soldiers of the Republic, let us march forward, united in purpose and unwavering in our resolve. With every step we take, we bring closer the dawn of a new era—a era where the people of Imerina rise as one, where the ideals of our republic flourish, and where the spirit of freedom prevails.*
>
>
>
> *Onward, my comrades! Onward to victory! For the Republic of Imerina!*
>
>

Rakoto's faction would emerge victorious as the Republican Forces surrounded the Rova of Antananarivo. The Kingdom of Imerina gave way to the Republic of Imerina, departing from the centuries-old monarchy.

A period of reform followed thenafter, as laws and institutions were written and rewritten. While the civil war left a lasting scar on Imerina, the Republic aimed to restore stability and rebuild from the ashes of the long, bloody war. One of the key decisions made by President Rakoto was the Laborde Charter, which opened Imerina as a through-port to India and the East Indies. Aquitaine would be given docking rights at cost, in return for distributing spices and other valuable trading goods at a discount.