Domestic
Wave of Kidnappings Tests Leaders' Effectiveness
Over just yesterday alone, at least twenty missing person alerts flooded Facebook news feeds. Madagascar has been led by 5 senior military officers since October 2025. Following their rise to power, the population expected the country to be five times more secure. Indeed, no one disputes that the current leaders are among the elite elements of the Malagasy Army. Yet in recent weeks and months, the country faces an unprecedented security crisis. A climate of terror, driven by a series of kidnappings and murders, grips the capital. No district of the City of a Thousand escapes. These are no longer the child thefts seen before, but are accompanied by gruesome murders. Now, abductors make no distinction in their targets. All age groups and social categories are in their sights. Just yesterday, at least twenty missing person alerts and "ombay mitady" flooded Facebook. According to an incomplete report released Monday by security force officials, 90 disappearance complaints were filed, with 47 people still missing. Many of these missing children and teenagers have been found dead. Act of Terror. Those in power insist this kidnapping wave is a destabilization act of political origin. Former President Andry Rajoelina and the forongony are openly accused of orchestrating this terror campaign shaking Antananarivo. The question becomes why no action is taken against them if this intelligence is confirmed. The population seeks not to identify perpetrators but expects the situation to be effectively controlled. Authorities must conduct investigations accordingly. Malagasy simply need peace and security in daily life. No one disputes that the State's role is ensuring security of persons and property, as the Constitution provides. Regardless, the current leaders' effectiveness, particularly the 5 senior officers governing the country, faces severe testing against this barbarism terrorizing the City of a Thousand. With 5 military leaders heading the nation, citizens expect greater security and serenity. What of our intelligence agencies' effectiveness? For now, kidnappings continue and multiply, with officials unable to even reveal the identities of those behind these acts. On social media, users increasingly denounce the slow pace of pursuit. Yet early this year, cases involving accusations of threats to state security implicating Colonel Patrick Rakotomamonjy and accomplices advanced rapidly. Many observers believe the longer this continues, the more the credibility and legitimacy of the Refoundation regime's leaders will be questioned. According to the 2026 budget law, presidential security funding increased by 6.8 billion ariary. What reforms were implemented to strengthen ordinary citizens' security?
Source: Midi Madagasikara