Madagascar faces surge of disappearances amid political transition

Since the start of the year, Malagasy police have logged 172 reports of disappearances, among them 91 children, and have recovered eight bodies. The majority of cases stem from the capital, Antananarivo, where the transitional military government has deployed more than 1,500 police officers, soldiers and gendarmes to patrol day and night.

Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison publicly acknowledged that the disappearances persist, reaffirming the state's determination to end the crimes. Recent incidents include the discovery of a 22‑year‑old student’s body in the Ikopa River and a medical graduate found dead in the waters of Ranomafana after being reported missing.

Authorities attribute the wave to broader instability during the political transition that began after the October 2025 military takeover. Investigations remain ongoing, with no definitive suspects identified and public confidence in security institutions eroding.