One of the new cardinals, nominated by Pope Francis, made a statement indicating that “Islamic extremism” is more and more present in Madagascar and in so doing alarmed the AIS Foundation. He highlighted the role of some radical groups in the country that attract large crowds and that intend to build more than two thousand mosques on the island.

According to Fr. Désiré Tzarahazana, the present bishop of Toamasina and president of the Episcopal Conference of Madagascar, the Gulf States and Pakistan are responsible for the “rise of Islamic extremism” in the country. They transport  Muslim people to the island-country for money. “They buy people,” said Tzarahazana.

For example, Fr. Désiré said that in his diocese, “there were many mosques built recently… yet there are still not enough Muslims to fill these meeting houses.” He  added that “Islamic leaders are planning to build more than 2,600 mosques in our country.”

One of the biggest worries of the bishop is the fear of a Muslim invasion, principally from Turkey. “Once or twice a week, Turkish Airlines send an aeroplane to our country, full of Muslim people, who settle down in Madagascar,” the bishop said.  He noted that many young people go to study in Saudi Arabia, and when they return to their home country, they assume important roles in the Muslim community.

At the same time, there are Islamic attacks in the Northern part of Mozambique. The rise of Islamism has also started on the Comores Islands that are situated between Mozambique and the large island of Madagascar.

Source: Fundação AIS