In Madagascar, which was badly damaged by the coup, the new government found a gemstone weighing 300 kilograms. The President wants to sell it.
About a month after coming to power, new head of state Michaël Randrianirina discovered a rare treasure in Madagascar. In a secret room of the presidential palace, military troops discovered an emerald weighing about 300 kilograms, embedded in the so-called “mother stone”. A report from French television station TF1 Info explains the circumstances of the discovery.
300 kilo emerald: monster diamond found in the presidential palace
“We don’t know why the stone was placed here. We are just happy to show that we are ready to work with full transparency,” Randrianirina told the press. The gemstones are believed to have been hidden in the rooms of the building since 2009.
So far no statement can be made regarding the quality and value of the emerald. The new government now plans to conduct expert analysis. Mining Minister Carl Andriamparany, however, stated that the discovery could also have financial implications: “Emeralds in their original source rock are extremely rare.”
Emeralds are a “national treasure,” explains Randrianirina. Any potential revenue must go into the state treasury: “It can be sold. It is the minister’s job to explain the procedures that will be used to increase state revenues.”
Madagascar: A crisis country in transition
The emerald discovery comes at a tumultuous time for the African island nation. Almost a month ago, the military led by Colonel Randrianirina took over control. Parliament previously ousted President Andry Rajoelina following nationwide protests over electricity and water cuts. According to the British “Guardian”, the elite CAPSAT unit openly declared: “We have taken power.”
Shortly thereafter, the military suspended the constitution and several key institutions – including the Senate, the National Election Commission and other oversight bodies. As reported by Qatari television station Al Jazeera, the military leadership wants to rule as a transitional government for a maximum of two years. At the same time, a new constitution will be negotiated and elections will be held.
The African Union immediately responded to the coup by freezing Madagascar, and politically isolating the new military government. The UN also strongly condemned the coup and called for the return of the rule of law.
