A wave of disappearances and kidnapping fears has put Antananarivo residents on edge, disrupting daily life. Deep anxiety grips the capital's inhabitants as alarming disappearances multiply in recent days. The subject dominates conversations everywhere, even infiltrating official corridors. "The current situation terrifies me, especially for my children. We wanted to enroll them in music classes during vacation, but we cancelled. Letting them take the bus or walk alone now is far too risky," confessed one participant at an official event at the Carlton Hotel yesterday during a break.

For many residents, simply leaving home and walking the streets has become a source of constant worry. Irène Mirasoa, a mother in Ambohitrakely, now takes her three children with her even for neighborhood shopping trips. "Our house isn't fenced, so I don't dare leave them there, fearing someone might take them while I'm away. Especially since there was an attempted kidnapping in our neighborhood yesterday, according to social media," she said.

Fear now extends beyond child abductions. Adults also fear being kidnapped. Antonio Zoma and his wife, residents of Ambatolampy Tsimahafotsy, have started driving their own vehicle to work since yesterday, instead of taking the bus. "This way we're safe, no risk of being outside facing kidnappers. My wife finishes at 5:30 p.m., and the idea of her taking the bus at that hour worries us. She also has to cross dark, isolated alleys to reach the stop. According to recent accounts, that's exactly where attackers strike," he explained.

At Nanisana bus stop during rush hour, when buses are scarce and waits lengthen, private vehicles stop to offer rides. But distrust prevails. Passengers decline offers and remain on the sidewalk. "So be it if I miss my appointment, the current situation is too uncertain to take any risk," said Harilandy Ramarokoto, a woman in her sixties.

Residents deplore the lack of visible police presence on public roads. "They should be everywhere, at every corner, now that the situation is critical. Their mere presence would reassure us and perhaps deter kidnappers," said Antonio Zoma.

The government announced mixed-force patrols beginning last Wednesday. "Operations have even intensified since. The goal is to cover as wide an area as possible," a source confirmed. However, establishing fixed checkpoints remains impossible except at sensitive points.