Law enforcement agencies are increasing joint patrols in Antananarivo. This measure is being taken to address the widespread anxiety caused by the disappearance of children.
Joint forces conducted foot patrols through the neighborhoods of 67 Ha yesterday afternoon. Comprising police, gendarmes, and military personnel, the units moved through the city streets in a single-file formation. “We are focusing on high visibility. It is to show the public that the defense forces are here for them,” the lead officer stated during the assembly.
These units patrolled the main streets of 67 Ha before joining the BEPC examination center in the area. “The public will be encouraged to alert law enforcement in case of suspicious behavior or incidents,” he added.
On the streets, the crowd was impressed by the scale of the deployment. “We haven’t seen such mobilization since the lockdown period,” remarked Étienne Ramilison, a merchant in Ankasina, 67 Ha, after the forces passed by.
Despite this show of force, concern remains high among the population, particularly due to the suspicious disappearance of children during the holidays when parents are at work and children remain at home. Many have chosen to take exceptional measures. “We decided to bring our children to our workplace because there is no one to watch them at home,” says Eliane, a merchant in Antohomadinika Sud, who was deeply disturbed by the discovery of a young man’s body in her neighborhood earlier that day.
Plainclothes units
Other parents have chosen to restrict their children’s movements. While they used to allow them to play freely, this situation has changed everything. “From now on, they are not allowed to stray from home. Their only playground is the space right in front of our shop,” says Herison, a merchant in Ankasina and father of four.
Parents are calling for strengthened security measures. “It’s a pity that these law enforcement units just pass by. They should remain in every neighborhood to provide more reassurance,” says vendor Tantely Randriamarosoa. Herison believes that if the authorities truly want to put an end to these disappearances, they should operate in plain clothes. “Uniformed patrols lack effectiveness. Seeing them pass, criminals hide, but as soon as they leave, they resume their activities,” he suggests. Joint patrols are expected to continue in the coming days.
172 children reported missing in six months
According to a report from the National Police, 172 children were reported missing in Madagascar during the first six months of this year. Among them, 164 are categorized as missing persons cases, while eight children have unfortunately lost their lives. 119 of these cases were recorded in the Analamanga region, and 45 in the other 23 regions of the island. To date, 81 missing children have been found, including 63 in Analamanga and 18 in other regions. Conversely, 83 children remain missing. This number includes those who may have returned home without informing the authorities.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-09 06:13:07 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/securite-des-forces-mixtes-sillonnent.html