The Comorian community in Madagascar is facing a pressing issue with the deterioration of their historical cemeteries. A recent mission conducted in August by the Chadhuliya brotherhood visited over five old cemeteries linked to the Comorian and Muslim communities. The delegation's findings revealed a worrying situation, with degraded sites, disappearing tombs, and occupied land. The mission was part of the 26th commemoration of Cheikh Ali Mohamed Kombo, also known as "Fundi" Tchépé, in Mahajanga.
The Comorian community's memory and heritage are at risk of disappearing due to the lack of maintenance and protection of these historical sites. The secretary-general of the Chadhuliya brotherhood, Hachim Mohamed Abdallah, reported that some cemeteries have changed usage and are no longer protected. He stated that tombstones are being removed and sold, and spaces are being reused for other purposes, such as planting bananas. This situation is particularly concerning as the number of people who can identify the sites and share their history is dwindling.
The absence of a comprehensive inventory of these historical sites exacerbates the problem. The mission's report highlighted that there is no updated census of mosques, zawiyas, Quranic schools, cemeteries, community lands, historical buildings, and other memorials belonging to the Comorian and Muslim communities. This lack of documentation makes it challenging to establish ownership and protect these sites. The issue of land ownership is also a significant concern, with risks related to irregular occupation, disappearing boundaries, and weak documentation.
To address this issue, the Chadhuliya brotherhood proposes the establishment of a commission tasked with safeguarding the historical and cultural heritage of Comorians in Madagascar. The commission would bring together religious leaders, community representatives, historians, researchers, jurists, and academics. The proposed measures include physical protection of the cemeteries, such as demarcation, fencing, cleaning, and maintenance, as well as collecting testimonies, digitizing archives, and creating a documentation center.
Hachim Mohamed Abdallah emphasized the need for the Comorian authorities to take ownership of this issue and work with the communities to give these sites official recognition and protection. He suggested creating a permanent commission to oversee the preservation of the historical, religious, and cultural heritage of Comorians in Madagascar. This commission would ensure the protection of these sites and promote their significance.
The mission to Mahajanga went beyond the commemoration of "Fundi" Tchépé, as it highlighted the importance of preserving the material traces of Comorian presence in Madagascar. Before restoring these sites, it is essential to inventory them, establish their history, identify their status, and protect the areas where those who contributed to their birth rest. The Comorian community is working to raise awareness about the significance of these historical sites and the need for their preservation.
The proposed commission would also aim to create a comprehensive database of these historical sites, including their location, history, legal status, current state, and risks. This database would help identify the sites that require urgent attention and facilitate their preservation. By working together, the Comorian community and authorities can ensure the protection of their cultural heritage and prevent the loss of their historical memory.
Key points
- Comorian community in Madagascar faces loss of historical cemeteries due to lack of maintenance and protection.
- Proposed commission aims to safeguard historical and cultural heritage of Comorians in Madagascar.
- Community calls for authorities' involvement in preserving historical sites.
