Madagascar military deployment curbs insecurity in southern regions

The Minister of Armed Forces in Madagascar reported that the deployment of the Forces de défense et de sécurité (FDS) has begun to counter a recent surge in insecurity. About 280 military personnel are now supporting the national police and gendarmerie across the country, carrying out urban security patrols (PSU) and rural patrols (PSR).

In the southern regions of Androy and Anosy, roughly 500 troops are conducting a major security operation, targeting banditry that typically rises during the dry season. The deployment started on July 7, 2026, and early results show a significant decline in criminal incidents, with the presence of the forces acting as a deterrent and restoring confidence among the local population.