For the third time in just a few days, the Head of State has spoken out regarding the recent cases of disappearances and the discovery of mutilated bodies. In Toamasina yesterday, he affirmed his determination to put an end to these acts and to “destroy” those behind these crimes.
Annihilation. That is what Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, Head of State, promises to those pulling the strings behind the disappearances and crimes that have been making headlines recently. In Toamasina yesterday, he issued a warning to the alleged perpetrators and their potential sponsors.
“I warn that, whoever is behind this, we have already started investigating. Whatever the organization, whatever is behind this, I will destroy it,” warned the occupant of Iavoloha during a speech delivered at the inauguration of the new offices for the regional directorate of the Independent Anti-Corruption Bureau (BIANCO) in Toamasina—an event coinciding with the celebration of African Anti-Corruption Day.
For the senior officer, corruption is one of the root causes, not only of the country’s impoverishment but also of the current surge in insecurity—a security situation the authorities link to a destabilization maneuver. “The unrest currently shaking Madagascar is still due to this attachment to corruption. There is no longer any love for the homeland. For a little money, some are prepared to harm the nation and even kill children,” he denounced.
According to the toll reported by Police Commissioner General Jean Victor Tsaramonina, Director General of the National Police, on July 8, 172 children were reported missing in Madagascar during the first six months of this year. Of these, 164 were cases of disappearance, while eight children lost their lives. 119 of these cases were recorded in the Analamanga region.
However, the situation has taken on an alarming dimension in recent days. Since the day after the national holiday, reports of disappearances—especially on social media—have been almost daily. On Monday, about ten missing persons were reported. Meanwhile, bodies of missing persons have been found lifeless and mutilated. From a simple news item, the disappearance affair has become a state matter.
Regarding the “Kill me if you are men” remarks: For the authorities, this is a coordinated destabilization strategy. A thesis the Head of State defends by drawing parallels with similar events between 2017 and 2018. The senior officer spoke for the first time of political plotting “to create a climate of psychosis” on July 4, linking these crimes to the drone that tracked the presidential convoy on the evening of July 3.
On Wednesday, he doubled down by labeling these acts as “terrorism.” As for the response to end these crimes, Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison speaks of a “war” against those who “want to slow down the rebuilding.” On the ground, this hard line is reflected by a massive deployment of mixed elements from the Defense and Security Forces (FDS). At first glance, the strategy of a deterrent presence has borne fruit.
Yesterday, there were no disappearance reports on social media. This could also be due to the decision by media outlets, particularly online, to only report cases communicated by law enforcement. In the current tense context, pressure is also increasing on the press. The Head of State himself has expressed reservations toward “certain media” that have been publishing scoops on the disappearances.
Be that as it may, the occupant of Iavoloha clearly does not intend to stop at deterrent actions but wants to “destroy” the network or entity sponsoring these crimes. A determination demonstrated in his tone, gestures, and words yesterday in Toamasina. After an escalating classification of the facts, the presidential rhetoric is now entering an offensive mode.
Although arrests have been indicated, the authorities have not yet formally commented on who the instigators of this wave of disappearances are. However, in his speech yesterday, Colonel Randrianirina mentioned what could be a new financing mechanism for destabilization operations. “Cryptocurrency is currently circulating. It is now being used to bring in money intended to sow unrest in the country,” he asserted.
In an emotional tirade, the Head of State also directly challenged those he believes are behind this violence, daring them to confront him directly. “Why not kill me, if I am the one causing trouble? Kill me, but do not kill Malagasy children. Kill me if you are men. I say it clearly here,” the senior officer challenged.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-11 06:12:51 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/cas-de-disparition-le-chef-de-letat.html