Anosy (except its capital Fort Dauphin (Tôlanaro)) and Atsimo-Atsinanana regions (south-east) : HIGH
There has been a deterioration of the security environment due to a significant increase in banditry in remote, rural areas of the Anosy and Atsimo-Atsinanana regions. Large groups of heavily armed cattle rustlers (‘dahalo') carry out frequent raids on villages to steal cattle and also engage in roadside banditry. Clashes occur often between them and self-defence militias set up by local villagers, as well as with the security forces, posing a potential threat to business travellers.
Anti-dahalo military operations are usually very violent, often resulting in dozens of casualties on both sides. However, the difficult topography of Anosy and Atsimo-Atsinana (both are extensive hilly regions), the poor state of local roads (mostly dirt tracks), and a lack of adequate equipment (such as helicopters and armoured vehicles) make it difficult for the security forces to access remote zones, where the dahalo have their rear bases and are able to confront them effectively.