Church leaders in the southwestern island nation off the coast of the Indian Ocean have called for “peace, protection of life and the common good” after weeks of youth-led protests in Madagascar left at least 22 people dead and millions of dollars worth of property destroyed.
The current political crisis is considered the most severe instability in recent years. The protests were mainly caused by prolonged power outages and water shortages, particularly in the capital Antananarivo. But their demands quickly spread, calling for lower costs of living, improved access to higher education, and an investigation into allegations of government corruption. Similar Gen Z-led protests have been witnessed not only in Kenya but also in other countries in Africa and around the world.
Pastor Dina Ratsinbajaona, president of the Madagascar Evangelical National Union, told Christian Daily International that the situation remains “quite uncertain and volatile” after weeks of unrest that began at the end of September. Ratsinbajaona highlighted the plight faced by ordinary citizens, noting that “most shops and banks are closed and people are struggling to obtain daily necessities.”
He also noted that some churches have faced damage recently. Amid the instability, he reaffirmed that the church in Madagascar remains focused on “praying, serving as much as possible and promoting restraint from all sides” and avoiding support for any particular political faction.
“As of now, we do not know which political camp the Church single-mindedly supports. We sincerely appreciate your prayers for peace, government care for the people, and the restoration of stability,” Ratsinbajaona urged.
The Council of Christian Churches in Madagascar (FFKM), which includes Catholic, Anglican, Reformed Protestant and Lutheran churches, issued a statement on September 26, shortly after the protests began. The group called for an immediate end to all violence and proposed a systematic path to solutions centered on “prayer, justice, dialogue and reconciliation.”
Catholic bishops from across the Indian Ocean region further expressed solidarity and moral support.
On September 29, the Episcopal Church of Madagascar (FEEM), led by the Right Reverend Samoela Llaona Ranarivero, issued a statement calling for peace and stability. As the Church stands as a “shepherd and prophet on the side of the oppressed and suffering people of Madagascar,” the statement offered condolences to those who lost loved ones and comfort to those whose property was destroyed.
Importantly, FEEM called on security forces to “refrain from violence against young people and those expressing their views, as this is a fundamental right.” It also condemned killings, use of force and looting. The church also called for the unconditional release of those arrested simply for expressing their opinions.
Recognizing the deep divisions in society, FEEM called on the Malagasy people to remain united, maintain peace and prioritize the nation’s common interests, urging them to seek peace and justice while refusing to fall into “the trap set by the enemies of the state.” “Prayer makes a difference,” the statement said, calling on all Christians across the island to pray for the country, intercede, repent and seek forgiveness for the land.
At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the demonstrations, according to the United Nations. In response to growing unrest, President Andriy Rajoelina, 51, dissolved the government and appointed an army general as the new prime minister.
Rajoelina has invited various groups for dialogue and pledged to resign within a year if persistent power outages in the capital are not resolved. However, Gen Z leaders rejected the offer of talks, calling it a “sham dialogue” and calling for the president to resign.
Historically, religious leaders have often acted as respected mediators and peacemakers during periods of conflict. For example, the Federation of Christian Churches (FFKM) successfully mediated high-level negotiations during the political episode of 1991, a period of violent pro-democracy protests and general strikes against the authoritarian rule of then-President Didier Ratsiraka.
As tensions rise amid the current protests, Pastor Ratsinbajaona stressed the need for the nation to continue praying for “wisdom, just solutions and peace.”
