Madagascar Prime Minister Urges Dialog as Soldiers Back Protests Demanding President’s Resignation
Antananarivo, Madagascar – Madagascar’s prime minister is calling for calm and dialogue after elite soldiers joined ongoing protests demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. The intervention of soldiers significantly escalated pressure on Rajoelina, despite his decision last week to dissolve his government in an attempt to appease demonstrators.
The youth-led protests began on September 25, initially sparked by water and electricity cuts, but quickly broadened into widespread calls for systemic political change. Gen Z protesters have remained resolute, even after Rajoelina’s government was dissolved.
Earlier Saturday, police deployed stun grenades and teargas in an effort to disperse the crowds. Together, the newly appointed minister of the armed forces, General Deramasinjaka manantsoa Rakotoarivelo, urged troops to “remain calm,” stating, “We call on our brothers who disagree with us to prioritise dialogue. The Malagasy army remains a mediator and constitutes the nation’s last line of defence.”
however, a leader affiliated with Capsat – a group involved in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power – accompanied by soldiers, released a video on social media urging other military units to “refuse orders to shoot your friends.” The video included calls to prevent all aircraft from taking off, instructing soldiers at the airport to “close the gates and await our instructions,” and to disregard orders from superiors, even suggesting pointing weapons at those issuing such orders. The speaker warned superiors would not support the families of soldiers killed.
President Rajoelina has not posted on social media sence Friday evening, when he was pictured meeting with university heads to discuss student welfare.
Activists have expressed concern over Capsat’s involvement, while members of Gen Z Madagascar, the leaderless protest coordinating group, voiced doubts about the future, emphasizing their desire to ensure a fair and uncorrupted selection of future leadership.
