Monday, 26 November 2007

Mawlana Hazar Imam greeting leaders of the Jamat upon his arrival in Antananarivo. AKDN/Zahur Ramji

Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar for the second in this schedule of visits to Africa. He was received at the airport by the Head of Senate Rajemison Rakotomaharo, a delegation of Ministers and leaders of the Jamat in a full ceremonial welcome, including a military guard of honour and a military band playing the Madagascar National Anthem and the Nashid al-Imamah. In a short statement to the press Mawlana Hazar Imam said that he looked forward to meeting the country's leaders and reviewing with them the work of the Aga Khan Development Network in the country.

Tuesday, 27 November 2007

Mawlana Hazar Imam speaking at the state banquet. AKDN/Gary Otte

On his second day in Madagascar, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the President of the Republic Marc Ravalomanana to review current projects of the AKDN in Madagascar.

In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Prime Minister Charles Rabemananjara at the Primature. Mawlana Hazar Imam then went on to meet with the President of the Senate Rajemison Rakotomaharo and then the President of the National Assembly Jacques Sylla.

In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister.

Also see Mawlana Hazar Imam's speech (en français) and AKDN photos of the visit.

Wednesday, 28 November 2007

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Philibert Rakotosom, the Secretary General of the Ministry for Agriculture arriving in the village of Ambalafary greeting villagers who have participated in the integrated rural development programme organized by the Aga Khan Foundation. AKDN/Gary Otte

Travelling by plane and then helicopter, on his third day in Madagascar, Mawlana Hazar Imam visited the Sofia region in the north of the country. There he met with representatives from villages that have been supported by the Aga Khan Foundation's Rural Support programmes. This programme has helped the villagers increase their production of rice, a commodity produced by 80 per cent of rural households. Most have doubled their yield and some villagers have increased their production by up to six times.

Returning to Antananarivo, Mawlana Hazar Imam visited the Palais du Rova, one of the most important symbols of Malagasy national heritage which is currently undergoing reconstruction after a massive fire devastated the entire structure in 1995.

In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam hosted an Imamat Reception in honour of President Marc Ravolamanana who was represented by Prime Minister Charles Rabemananjara.

Thursday, 29 November 2007

Mawlana Hazar Imam addressing Jamati institutional leaders at the dinner hosted in his honour in Antananarivo. Zahur Ramji

In a day eagerly awaited by the Jamat of Madagascar, including the Jamats of many of the surrounding Indian Ocean Islands such as Reunion, Mayotte, Mauritius, Comores Islands as well as members of the Jamat who had travelled from further a field, Mawlana Hazar Imam granted a Golden Jubilee Darbar in Antananarivo. President Nishad Djaffar delivered a loyalty address on behalf of the Malagasy Jamat.

Later that day, Mawlana Hazar Imam visited the offices of the Première Agence de Microfinance (PAMF) in Antananarivo and met with the staff of the Head Office as well as of the Antananarivo branch. He was accompanied by the Minister for Finance and Budget, Hajanirina Razafinjatovo and the Secretary General of the same ministry, Henri Bernard Razakaraia

In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was the Guest of Honour at a reception hosted by the Jamati Institutions of Madagascar. Nishad Djaffar, President of the Ismaili Council for Madagascar delivered welcoming remarks and together with Shanaz Nandji, Chairperson of ITREB Madagascar, presented Mawlana Hazar Imam with a gift on behalf of the assembled leadership. In his address, delivered in French, Mawlana Hazar Imam spoke of his happiness at being in Madagascar and how much he had enjoyed his visit to the country. During the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was entertained by dances by children from the Malagasy jurisdiction Jamats, including a traditional Malagasy dance known as Afindrafindrao, literally meaning “step by step”.

Friday, 30 November 2007

Mawlana Hazar Imam at Ivato airport bidding farewell to the President of the National Assembly of Madagascar, Jacques Sylla before boarding his plane. AKDN/Gary Otte

After a busy four days, including governmental meetings, AKDN project visits, a Golden Jubilee Darbar and numerous other events, Mawlana Hazar Imam's visit to Madagascar came to a close. His departure early on Friday morning was filled with ceremony, including a full military guard of honour and the playing of both the Nashid al-Imamah and the Malagasy National Anthem by a military band. Members of the Jamat gathered outside the airport to wish Mawlana Hazar Imam ‘bon voyage' and the Government delegation was headed by the President of the National Assembly, Jacques Sylla.

Also see additional photos and the video, as well as Mawlana Hazar Imam's speech (en français) and AKDN photos of the visit.