IFOR's Branch in Madagascar, Fikambanana Entanin’ny Fampihavanana eto MADAGASIKARA (FIEFA) celebrated its 25th anniversary recently. The anniversary was held in the village of St. François of Antananarivo. The association chose as it's theme "La force ne vaut pas la vertu" or "force is not worth the cost of virtue." The anniversary was an opportunity for members of FIEFA to consider the moral importance of the movement's values and to renew the commitment to promote active nonviolence and peace.
The President of the Senate of Madagascar was invited to attend the celebrations but was unfortunately unable to be present. Senator M. RAKOTOZAFY Jean M. spoke on his behalf. The Celebration began with an ecumenical worship service. It was followed by the reading of a letter from IFOR's Honorary President, Hildegard Goss-Mayr.
A plaque commemorating the 25th anniversary was placed in the FIEFA offices. A panel discussion was had and trainings in nonviolence took place. The gathering was well attended by diverse parts of society; politicians, clergy and different civil society organizations all came to offer greetings and expressions of support for FIEFAs work.
To read the original press release in french please click here.