known as the Franco-Hova Wars.

For almost its entire existence, the kingdom of Madagascar was de facto governed by the Hovabe of the Tsimiamboholahy clan of Andafiavaratra, direct descendants of the last great Vazimba kings of Ialamanga (present-day Antananarivo), where they reigned for several centuries and whose military and economic power enabled Andrianampoinimerina and Radama I to conquer part of the island. The clan chiefs of the Tsimiamboholahy of Andafiavaratra held, from father to son,