41 French Firefighters Leave Madagascar

A total of 41 firefighters from the French Civil Security detachment are leaving Madagascar after three weeks of operations in the field.

Their mission provided direct support to populations affected by Cyclones Fitia and Gezani and strengthened cooperation with the Malagasy authorities. During the farewell ceremony, Colonel Randrianirina Michaël, President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar, praised the commitment and professionalism of the French teams. He emphasized the quality of the collaboration with local authorities, partners on the ground, and residents. “Your technical skills and cooperation enabled us to quickly provide relief and improve the living conditions of those affected,” he stated.

During their mission, the firefighters distributed over 700 cubic meters of drinking water in several urban areas, reaching 13,000 households, or more than 60,000 people. They also rebuilt destroyed or damaged infrastructure, including 13 schools, three hospitals, and the Alliance Française. These interventions helped restore access to essential services and support local communities.

The President recalled France’s long tradition of solidarity with Madagascar. This year, French teams have already provided significant assistance in hard-to-reach areas, strengthening the fraternal ties between the two countries. He also thanked the European Union, highlighting the role of its support in emergency situations. “Your commitment has saved many lives and exemplifies international solidarity in the face of disasters,” he added.

As a token of appreciation, each member of the detachment received a certificate before returning to France. The Malagasy authorities have stated that reconstruction work will continue, with projects aimed at restoring essential infrastructure and facilitating the daily lives of people in the most affected areas.