The Council for World Mission (CWM) expresses its deep sorrow over the unfolding crisis in Madagascar. Since 25 September 2025, youth-led demonstrations under the banner of Gen Z Madagascar have drawn attention to the hardships endured by the people, including severe electricity blackouts, lack of water supply, corruption in the state utility (JIRAMA) and government, inequality in wealth distribution, as well as restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
These legitimate demands for justice and dignity have been met with violent repression. According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have died and over 100 have been injured, including protesters and innocent bystanders. We grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, including the tragic death of a baby suffocated by tear gas, and we lament the destruction of property and community institutions, such as the Malagasy Bible Society, which suffered severe losses.
The Council for World Mission (CWM) is a worldwide partnership of churches in mission comprising 36 member churches across six continents, representing over 22.5 million Christians, including over 5 million Christians in Madagascar. As a global mission community committed to resisting life-denying systems, affirming peace, promoting justice, and enabling life-flourishing communities for all, we:
- Condemn the violent crackdown against civilians and the excessive use of force by state security.
- Call upon the government of Madagascar to respect the democratic values and the people’s right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
- Urge the authorities to fulfil their sacred duty to provide basic amenities, water, electricity, and security, not as privileges, but as fundamental rights of every citizen.
- Plead for immediate dialogue between leaders, youth, and civil society in pursuit of justice, reconciliation, and sustainable solutions.
- Deplore the acts of looting and violence and appeal to protestors to make their voices heard through peaceful means that affirm life rather than destroy it.
- Stand with the churches of Madagascar and encourage them to continue their prophetic witness, their ministry of comfort to the wounded, and their call to prayer.
- Call upon the global ecumenical family to pray, advocate, and stand in solidarity with the people of Madagascar, seeking peace with justice.
CWM affirms that the path forward for Madagascar lies not in violence, repression, or revenge, but in justice, dialogue, and reconciliation. We long for the day when the Malagasy people may live in peace and dignity, embodying the shalom of God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
CWM Prayer for the People of Madagascar
God of justice, we lift before you the cries of the Malagasy people, who yearn for light in the midst of darkness. Hear the voices of the grieving families, the wounded, and the poor who have been denied their fundamental rights. Let your justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream in Madagascar.
God of peace, we lament the violence, the bloodshed, and the loss of innocent lives. We pray for leaders, security forces, and citizens to turn away from hatred and hostility, and to choose the path of dialogue and reconciliation. Calm the fears of your people, and make peacemakers rise up to heal divisions and sow harmony in the land.
God of life, breathe your Spirit of hope upon Madagascar. Renew the land, and grant strength to the churches as they stand with the broken and marginalised. May your promise of life in all its fullness be made real for every household, every community, and every child. We trust in you, Lord of life, to heal, to transform, and to lead Madagascar into a future of shalom.
Amen.
Click here to download the CWM statement on the protests in Madagascar.
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