The Minister of Armed Forces has assessed the initial deployment of Defense and Security Forces (FDS) to curb the recent surge in insecurity. According to him, the current calm demonstrates the effectiveness of measures taken.

Following the Head of State's appeal and directives on rising insecurity, what measures have been implemented?

The Ministry of Armed Forces, through all its structures deployed nationwide, continues to strengthen security devices to consolidate safety, preserve public order, and ensure national defense.

Operational defense of the territory remains the primary mission. This is complemented by support provided to the National Police and National Gendarmerie in restoring and maintaining order in both urban and rural areas.

The President's directives focus on mobilizing all Defense and Security Forces to durably restore peace and security across the territory. These instructions were immediately implemented through Urban Security Patrols (PSU) and Rural Security Patrols (PSR).

Currently, approximately 280 military personnel support the National Police and National Gendarmerie in these security operations. Simultaneously, Rural Security Marches-Maneuvers (MMSR) are conducted in sensitive rural zones to strengthen armed forces presence and prevent banditry. The Armed Forces are conducting a major security operation in the South, particularly in Androy and Anosy regions, mobilizing around 500 military personnel.

Banditry typically increases during the dry season in cattle-raising regions. This deployment aims to guarantee population safety so they can pursue economic activities and development initiatives peacefully.

What concrete results have been achieved after this vast deployment?

The security reinforcement began July 7, 2026. Initial results are particularly encouraging. Upon FDS deployment, criminal acts that frightened populations ceased in affected zones. This demonstrates that FDS presence has a deterrent effect on criminals, significantly reducing their capacity and willingness to act.

Simultaneously, this presence reassures the population, who gradually regain security and confidence. These results confirm the relevance of implemented measures and encourage the Armed Forces Ministry to continue security operations nationwide in close coordination with other defense and security forces.

Will security operations continue after this phase, given that criminality often resumes when FDS leave?

As I have stated, the Armed Forces work daily. Operations conducted by operational units represent permanent action closely coordinated with intelligence services. This complementarity allows anticipating threats, preventing criminal acts, and effectively combating all insecurity forms affecting our citizens.

Engaged personnel will be reinforced and security devices deployed in all identified sensitive zones or areas susceptible to banditry. The Armed Forces Ministry's motto is: "Armed Forces Close to the People." This commitment extends beyond security operations to numerous community-benefit initiatives.

My message to our citizens is a call for collective mobilization. Security concerns everyone. I invite communities to work closely with Defense and Security Forces, exercise vigilance and responsibility, and unite efforts against insecurity. Together, we can durably preserve our country's peace, security, and development.

Garry Fabrice Ranaivoson