Faced with the threat from the Delta variant, which is found in several neighboring countries, the Malagasy government decided to extend the closure of the borders on Sunday. For many Malagasy families who do not meet the authorities’ strict criteria, it is a blow and a heartbreak.
With our correspondent at Magadascar, Laure Verneau
The borders were originally closed on March 19, 2020. If it is easy to leave the country, it is much more difficult to return. Every other week border closure extended. Vola, 32, an NGO employee, has not seen his French partner in a year and a half. She’s not used to it.
The young woman recounts 16 months of separation from her companion: “It was always in line with the situation in Madagascar. When Mada opened a little, France closed. When France was open, Mada closed. It was never an opportunity to have an opening window. “
For her, it is impossible to project: “Where it is actually the most difficult thing is to tell yourself that you never know when it will end. It may have helped to say to yourself, I will persevere for so long. But you really do not know it yet because you just have no chance. “
Inclusion and PCR testing
Returns to the Big Island are approved for one reason only: burial of a loved one who is subject to compliance with containment measures and PCR testing upon arrival. Four categories of travelers (diplomats, athletes, state missionaries, strategic industry experts) have special qualifications. For the brothers of Vola, Malagasy foreigners in France, who are not part of it, it is also impossible to return to the country. They have not seen their parents for over two years.
“My parents are still waiting to see them,” Vola continues. They never saw their grandchildren. There is one who was born not long ago that they have never seen. This family, personal distance has a small impact on everyone’s mental health ”.
A disorder shared by many families in Madagascar.
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