On a mission to Madagascar, the Transparency Initiative is assessing the governance of the extractive sector. Discussions focus on the country's commitments and mining transparency. The delegation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, surrounded by Malagasy representatives, during its monitoring mission to Madagascar. Madagascar's extractive sector is under particular scrutiny. Since September 7, the International Secretariat of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative has been assessing the evolution of mining governance in a context marked by the change of power that occurred in October 2025. The mission continues until September 11. This visit comes as Madagascar has been placed, since November 2025, under a period of enhanced scrutiny decided by the Transparency Initiative's Board of Directors. "The objective of this mission is to monitor this enhanced scrutiny under which Madagascar has been placed," explains Papa Alioune Badara Paye, adviser and country director for Madagascar at the International Secretariat. This measure particularly concerns countries experiencing political instability. However, the stakes go beyond institutional monitoring alone. Mineral, oil, and gas resources belong to the country's economic heritage, and their exploitation directly raises questions about their management and benefits for the population. Transparency should notably make it possible to better understand the applicable rules, revenues, and actors involved in this chain. Subjects Examined "The International Transparency Initiative is an organization comprising 55 countries that implement its standard," clarifies Papa Alioune Badara Paye. This standard constitutes a framework for good governance of extractive industries, covering notably the mining, oil, and gas sectors. In some countries, its scope extends to the entire value chain of the extractive sector. In Madagascar, discussions focus notably on the continuation of the country's commitments, monitoring of recommendations from the third validation conducted in 2023-2024, and preparation of the 2024-2025 report. The resumption of mining permit issuance at the level of Madagascar's Mining Cadastre Office is also among the subjects examined. For the international team, maintaining dialogue between public authorities, extractive companies, and civil society remains essential. The delegation thus meets with government officials, including the Minister of Mines, as well as representatives of mining companies, civil society, and international partners, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The question of civic space is also among the mission's concerns. The ability of civil society to participate freely in the transparency process is indeed an essential element to guarantee citizen oversight of the extractive sector. Lucia Rabarijaona