What happened during the Franco-Merina War of 1883–85?

The Franco-Merina War of 1883–1885 was a conflict triggered by French efforts to extend their influence over the Sakalava people, challenging the authority of the Merina kingdom.

The war concluded with an ambiguous treaty that resulted in the following outcomes:

• France was granted a settlement at Diégo-Suarez.
• A French resident was stationed at Antananarivo.
• The formal establishment of a protectorate was temporarily avoided.12

Following the conflict, the region experienced a period of internal strife and disorder. While the British recognized Madagascar as a French protectorate in 1890, the Merina prime minister, Rainilaiarivony, refused to submit to French suzerainty, eventually leading to a second French military intervention in 1895.12