Toliaria, Madagascar, September 29, 2025
Protesters erect barricades as they demonstrate against repeated water and electricity outages in Antananarivo on September 25, 2025. © Rijasolo, AFP
Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar of the Patriarchate of Alexandria issued an urgent plea for prayers on Friday as violent protests grip Madagascar, leaving five protesters dead according to hospital sources.
“My beloved brothers, in Madagascar these last hours are filled with anguish and trial. There’s an uprising and the people are agitated, and our soul hurts deeply,” the bishop wrote in his message on Facebook.
The unrest began Thursday when hundreds of protesters took to the streets of the capital Antananarivo to express anger over frequent power outages that often leave homes and businesses without electricity for more than 12 hours. The demonstrations turned violent when police used rubber bullets and tear gas to suppress the protests.
In response to the escalating situation, authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Antananarivo. On Friday, the curfew was extended to four other major cities: Antsiranana, Majunga, Toliara, and Antsirabe.
“In this turmoil we turn our eyes only to Christ, the Prince of Peace, and beseech Him to send His light and calm the hearts of all,” Bp. Prodromos continued in his appeal.
The bishop concluded his message with a request for spiritual support:
With humility I ask you: support us with your prayer. Let your voice become prayer, so that where there is now turmoil, peace may reign, and where there is sorrow, hope may bloom. Thank you all very much for your love and support.
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