The Scattered Islands are Malagasy, declared Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar, earlier this week, noting that the sovereignty issue is still a contentious point between Madagascar and France.
"We desire restitution [of the Scattered Islands], but within a collaborative framework. We must carefully consider the means and methods to do this," said Andry Rajoelina, citing the recent UK recognition of Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago as an example.
After Madagascar gained independence in 1960, Paris did not relinquish control of these territories, despite the UN General Assembly's 1979 proclamation recognizing Madagascar's claim to the islands.