Madagascar: Kidnapped French national released Feb. 4 /update 1

Event

A kidnapped French national of Indian origin was released on Sunday, February 4, after 18 days in captivity. The details surrounding the release, as well as the identity of the kidnappers, remain unknown.

Context

On January 17, unidentified armed men abducted the French national of Indo-Pakistani origin in the Antanimena district of the capital Antananarivo.

The risk of kidnapping is high in Madagascar, especially against the French-Indian community, which has been the target of 90 kidnappings since 2010. Kidnappings-for-ransom targeting business professionals are also relatively common. Foreign visitors to the country, including business travelers and expatriates, are particularly at-risk due to their perceived wealth.

Advice

Due to high crime rates and relatively high risk of abduction (especially in urban and tourist centers such as Antananarivo, Tamatave, Majunga, Tulear, and Diego Suarez), individuals are advised to take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming an easy target for potential kidnappers; vary routes and schedules, maintain a high level of discretion, avoid posting personal information on social media that can be used by criminals to track targets (children, teenagers, and parents), be particularly vigilant after dark, regularly review and update your residential security, drive with windows closed and doors locked, etc. If you ever feel in danger, go directly to the nearest police station.