The Minister of the Armed Forces has provided an initial assessment of the deployment of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) aimed at curbing the recent surge in insecurity. According to him, the current lull demonstrates the effectiveness of the actions taken.
The Head of State has issued a call and provided directives in response to the recent rise in insecurity. What measures have been taken?
The Ministry of the Armed Forces, through all its structures deployed across the national territory, is continuously pursuing and strengthening the mechanisms implemented to consolidate security, preserve public order, and ensure the defense of the Nation.
The primary mission remains the operational defense of the territory. This is complemented by support provided to the National Police and the National Gendarmerie in their missions to restore and maintain order, both in urban and rural areas.
The guidelines provided by the President of the Refoundation consist of mobilizing all Defense and Security Forces (FDS) to restore lasting peace and security throughout the territory. These instructions were immediately implemented through the deployment of Urban Security Patrols (PSU) and Rural Security Patrols (PSR).
To date, nearly two hundred and eighty soldiers are engaged in supporting the National Police and the National Gendarmerie in these security operations. Simultaneously, operations known as Rural Security March-Maneuvers (MMSR) are being conducted in sensitive rural areas to strengthen the presence of the Armed Forces and prevent acts of banditry. Currently, the Armed Forces are leading a major security operation in the south of the country, particularly in the Androy and Anosy regions, mobilizing approximately five hundred soldiers.
It should be noted that it is generally during the dry season that the rate of banditry increases in cattle-rearing regions. The deployment of these forces is therefore aimed at ensuring the safety of the population so that they can peacefully pursue their economic activities, livelihoods, and development efforts in their local communities.
What are the concrete results obtained after this vast deployment on the ground?
The strengthening of the security apparatus on the ground began on July 7, 2026. The initial results observed are particularly encouraging. Since the deployment of the FDS, the acts of crime that spread fear among the population have ceased in the affected areas. This development shows that the presence of the FDS has a deterrent effect on perpetrators of criminal acts, significantly reducing their capacity and willingness to act.
At the same time, this presence also reassures the population, which is gradually regaining a sense of security and trust. These results reinforce the relevance of the measures implemented and encourage the Ministry of the Armed Forces to continue security operations throughout the national territory, in close coordination with other Defense and Security forces.
Will security operations continue after this phase, given that it is often observed that criminal acts resume as soon as the FDS leaves the scene?
As I have already indicated, the Armed Forces work daily. The operations conducted on the ground by operational units are part of a permanent effort and are closely coordinated with the work of intelligence services. This complementarity allows us to anticipate threats, prevent criminal acts, and fight effectively against all forms of insecurity that disrupt the lives of our fellow citizens.
In this dynamic, the personnel involved will be reinforced and security devices will be deployed in all areas identified as sensitive or likely to be affected by acts of banditry. It should also be remembered that the motto of the Ministry of the Armed Forces is: “The Armed Forces as close as possible to the population.” This commitment is not only translated through security operations. It is also expressed through numerous outreach actions for the benefit of the population.
The message I wish to address to our fellow citizens is a call for collective mobilization. Security is everyone’s business. I invite community groups to work in close collaboration with the Defense and Security forces, to demonstrate vigilance and a sense of responsibility, in order to unite our efforts in the fight against insecurity. Together, we can lastingly preserve the peace, security, and development of our country.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-11 07:12:51 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/general-ely-razafitombo-la-presence-des.html