A non-working day of reflection has been declared to pay “tribute to the victims of kidnappings and murders intended to disrupt the political stability of the Malagasy State.” A presidential decree published on Wednesday announced a “paid national day of mourning” for this Friday. This measure is in addition to the lowering of flags to half-mast and the prohibition of public festivities and the sale of alcoholic beverages, which are standard provisions for days of mourning.
For the authorities, the events of recent weeks, which have led to the deaths of at least half a dozen people after they were reported missing, constitute acts of destabilization. During one of his recent public appearances, the Head of State referred to “terrorist actions, perhaps to make the international community believe that Madagascar is unstable.”
In a video statement released by the Ministry of Justice, the Minister Delegate to the National Gendarmerie, General Bama Marima, mentioned 200 reports of disappearances in recent weeks. Of these 200 cases, six people have lost their lives. Among these victims, “some were subjects of sacrifice, others were victims of revenge, others committed suicide, and others were assaulted and suffered intentional bodily harm,” the minister reported. He also indicated that 19 people are still being sought, while 75 others have been found. He also expressed regret that other missing persons have returned home without reporting their return to the authorities.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-23 09:23:40 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://2424.mg/madagascar-une-journee-de-deuil-national-chomee-et-payee-en-hommage-aux-victimes-des-enlevements/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=madagascar-une-journee-de-deuil-national-chomee-et-payee-en-hommage-aux-victimes-des-enlevements