Amid Deadly Protests, Indian Ocean Catholic Bishops Express Spiritual Solidarity with Madagascar

Antananarivo, 07 October, 2025 / 9:33 AM

Members of the Episcopal Conference of the Indian Ocean (CEDOI) have expressed solidarity and “spiritual closeness” with the people of God in Madagascar after deadly protests sparked by repeated electricity cuts and the lack of access to clean drinking water. 

In a statement issued October 5, CEDOI members express “concern regarding the events currently shaking Madagascar.”

“For several days now, the numerous demonstrations — particularly in Antananarivo — have reflected the distress of a portion of the population faced with repeated power outages and the lack of access to clean drinking water,” the Catholic Church leaders in Comoros, Mauritius, Mayotte, Reunion, and Seychelles say.

They lament that the protests “initiated by young people and students, have unfortunately led to episodes of violent repression.”

“In these moments of tension and trial, we wish to assure you of the fraternal and spiritual closeness of the Churches of the Indian Ocean,” CEDOI members say.

They add, “We pray for the Malagasy population — especially for the young people who have died, for those who have been injured or arrested, and for political and social leaders — that dialogue, respect for fundamental rights, and the sincere pursuit of the common good may prevail.”

“May the Lord, source of peace and justice, sustain your communities and enlighten the hearts of all those who must make decisions for the future of the Great Island,” CEDOI members implore.

Madagascar is experiencing a social and political crisis following a series of mass protests that have left at least 22 dead and more than 100 injured. 

The demonstrations, led mostly by young people, erupted in the capital, Antananarivo, due to prolonged power and water outages that have affected the population for weeks. 

The protests quickly spread to other cities such as Mahajanga, Fenoarivo, and Diego Suárez, reflecting widespread discontent with the government of President Andry Rajoelina.

In an interview with ACI Africa on Monday, October 6, Archbishop Benjamin Marc Balthason Ramaroson of the Catholic Archdiocese of Antsiranana said the protests were an expression of legitimate frustration among young people demanding that their basic rights be respected. 

“The youth, unarmed, wanted to claim their fundamental rights, but the repression was very harsh, and we must acknowledge that. There were deaths, including three in the Archdiocese of Antsiranana,” Archbishop Ramaroson lamented.

He underscored the importance of dialogue and reconciliation, saying, “We must encourage everyone to come around the table of reconciliation. These protests and their repression will not lead the country toward a brighter future.”

“We are ready to serve as conciliators and mediators to help bring peace because violence solves nothing and does not help build the future. Let us help them sit down at the table and work together to move forward,” he said.

On october 1, Pope Leo XIV expressed concern about the ongoing protests.

“Let us pray to the Lord that all forms of violence may always be avoided and that the constant pursuit of social harmony may be fostered through the promotion of justice and the common good,” the Holy Father said at the end of his weekly General audience.

On their part, Church leaders in Madagascar have called for an immediate end to violence.

In a September 26 statement members of the Council of Christian Churches in Madagascar (FFKM) representing Catholic, Anglican, Protestant Reformed, and Lutheran leaders called for an end to “bloodshed, hostility, the destruction of infrastructure, and the looting of people’s property in its various forms.”