After Deadly Protests, Madagascar’s Church Leaders Urge End to “bloodshed, hostility, destruction of infrastructure”

Antananarivo, 26 September, 2025 / 10:35 PM

Church leaders in Madagascar have called for an immediate end to violence and destruction of property after the deadly Thursday, September 25, protests over frequent power outages and water shortages.

In a statement issued Friday, September 26, members of the Council of Christian Churches in Madagascar (FFKM) representing Catholic, Anglican, Protestant Reformed, and Lutheran leaders express solidarity with family members they say have “lost loved ones, the injured, those whose property has been destroyed, whose livelihoods and jobs have been lost due to looting and arson in many places, including the Malagasy Bible Society.”

They thank “those who have saved lives; healthcare workers treating the injured; and all those who consistently work for peace and stability,” as well as journalists “who strive to share and communicate the reality of events.”

FFKM members urge all Malagasy to “end bloodshed, hostility, the destruction of infrastructure, and the looting of people’s property in its various forms,” and to stop “verbal provocations and hostile actions.” 

Instead, they call on citizens to “draw closer to one another, forgive one another, and advance towards peace and dialogue in search of urgent and lasting solutions—leading to harmony and development, so that the entire population may enjoy their basic rights such as electricity, water, peace, work, order, and security.”

Widespread frustration over persistent water and electricity shortages has erupted into violent unrest in Madagascar, leading authorities to impose a night-time curfew in the capital, RFI reported.

Hospital sources reported that at least five people lost their lives during mass protests in Antananarivo on September 25.

In their September 26 statement, FFKM members say, “Those who looted must return the stolen goods, for they will not benefit you.”

They urge the people of God to “show solidarity, always preserve the common good, and have hearts of compassion and mercy like Jesus, in the face of the suffering and hardships endured by others.”

“The only true solution for our nation is to return to God, through confession and repentance, which will lead to truth and reconciliation,” the Church leaders say.

They remind leaders and citizens alike to “safeguard peace” and “know how to listen to one another with mutual respect.”

“We urge all families to continue reflecting, to intensify prayer, and to offer daily prayers for our nation,” FFKM members say.