Bringing together its members from all over the country, from April 8 to 11, the episcopal Justice and Peace commission of the Malagasy Catholic Church drew up an alarming assessment of the situation currently prevailing in the country. Faced with a series of worrying social and economic challenges, the Catholic organization has called for collective action to confront these challenges.
Sad reality. Among the problems highlighted by the commission, widespread insecurity tops the list. Rape of minors, theft and trafficking of children are on the rise, while the theft of human bones persists with impunity. These dark realities are now a sad reality, maintains Justice and Peace Madagascar in a press release.
In decline. The Madagascar Justice and Peace Episcopal Commission also highlighted the devastating effects of growing inflation, as well as the squandering of the country’s natural wealth, which are further impoverishing the population. Corruption and misappropriation of public funds have also been singled out, while the country’s education system is in decline, with the quality of teaching considered deplorable, says this department of the Catholic Church.
Security. However, the Commission recognizes the government’s efforts to redress the situation, particularly in the construction of road and educational infrastructure, the securing of sensitive areas and the equipment of law enforcement, as well as support for land securitization. However, it calls for promotion of the rule of law and solicits the active participation of citizens in the next legislative elections. The Catholic Church also calls for a surge of national solidarity to overcome these challenges and urges an end to hostilities.
Rija R.