Cases of missing persons continue to mount. Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison acknowledged this reality during a press response yesterday at the Supreme Court. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the State's determination to end these disappearances.
"It is true that these cases persist," Mamitiana Rajaonarison stated yesterday at an event at the Supreme Court in Anosy, responding to press questions about disappearances that have unsettled citizens for several days.
The Prime Minister's words reflect growing public concern over the persistence of missing persons cases. To date, no official explanation has been provided. Yesterday, a young woman who had just graduated in medicine was found dead in the waters of Andriamamovoka Falls in Ranomafana. She had been missing since July 20.
On Wednesday, the lifeless body of a 22-year-old student was recovered from the Ikopa River near Mahitsy in Alasora commune. His family reported him missing on July 15. In both cases, drowning and suicide are among the hypotheses being considered. Personal effects were found "intact" on the student's body and at the location where the medical graduate was recovered.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the truth about these two tragedies. However, the public believes these cases are part of the wave of disappearances and gruesome discoveries that have dominated headlines since late June. After a brief lull, missing person alerts are flooding social media again.
Situation Update
Some missing persons have been found. Investigations are proceeding, according to authorities. However, those responsible for these crimes remain unidentified. State officials have suggested a political destabilization plot. Panic prevails nonetheless. Popular vigilantism has been triggered based on hearsay and profiling.
Yesterday, the government chief reaffirmed "the State's determination to end these crimes." He stated the State will be "merciless" toward those responsible and that judicial sanctions will be severe. He previously declared this a "war" in a statement on July 7.
An operational coordination center for anti-disappearance actions was opened at Tsaralalàna central police station following the Prime Minister's July 7 statement. Yesterday's Cabinet meeting also adopted new security measures, including the restoration of the State Military Communications Office (OTME), which will oversee surveillance cameras throughout the capital. The number of surveillance cameras will be increased.
The Cabinet also decided to establish an anti-kidnapping Task Force under the Prime Minister's office. However, beyond rhetoric and decisions, the public demands action and results. Citizens increasingly voice concerns about their fundamental right to security.
When asked about investigation progress yesterday, Rajaonarison cited the principle of investigative confidentiality as "crucial for effective investigations." Nevertheless, the public seeks explanations and reassurance. The Prime Minister indicated that those leading the anti-disappearance effort should provide a status report yesterday or today. Whether this report will be made public remains to be seen.