The cases of disappearances and fears of kidnappings have put the inhabitants on high alert, causing a significant shift in daily habits.
A profound psychosis has taken hold of the residents of Antananarivo. The fear of kidnapping is on everyone’s mind due to the recent multiplication of worrying disappearances in the capital. The topic is the subject of every conversation, even finding its way into official events. “The current situation worries me terribly, especially for my children. We wanted to enroll them in music classes for the holidays, but we canceled. Letting them take the bus or walk alone right now has become far too risky,” confided a participant at an official event at the Carlton Hotel yesterday.
For many local residents, simply leaving their homes to walk the street has become a source of constant anxiety. To make a purchase at the local grocery store, Irène Mirasoa, a mother in Ambohitrakely, takes her three children with her. “Our house is not fenced, so I don’t dare leave them there for fear that someone might take them in my absence. Especially since yesterday, there was an attempted kidnapping right in our neighborhood, according to what’s being said on social media,” she says.
Distrust
Fear no longer concerns only the kidnapping of children. Today, even adults fear being abducted. Antonio Zoma and his wife, residents of Ambatolampy Tsimahafotsy, have decided to travel to their workplace in their own vehicle since yesterday, whereas they usually commute by bus. “This way, we are at ease, with no risk of being outside facing kidnappers. My wife finishes work at 5:30 PM, and the idea of her returning by bus at that hour worries us. She also has to cross dark and isolated alleys to reach the stop. Yet, according to recent testimonies, that is exactly where the attackers strike,” confided the man.
At the Nanisana bus stop during rush hour, despite the scarcity of buses and long wait times, some individuals stop to offer rides to commuters. However, distrust prevails among the many people present; they decline the offer and remain on the sidewalk. “Too bad if I miss my appointment; the current situation has become too uncertain to take any risk,” says Harilandy Ramarokoto, a sexagenarian.
Residents lament the lack of visibility of law enforcement on public roads. “They should be everywhere, at every street corner, at a time when the situation is critical. Their mere presence is enough to reassure us and, perhaps, to deter kidnappers from acting,” reacts Antonio Zoma.
The State announced the deployment of joint force patrols, effective since last Wednesday. “The operation has even been intensified since then. The objective is to cover as wide an area as possible,” a source revealed. On the other hand, the deployment of roadblocks or fixed posts remains impossible, except at sensitive locations.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-11 06:13:07 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/insecurite-la-population-sur-le-qui-vive.html