Madagascar President Alleges Power Grab Amidst Ongoing protests
ANTANANARIVO,MADAGASCAR – President Andry Rajoelina has accused protestors of attempting an “illegal seizure of power,” as demonstrations continue across the island nation fueled by economic hardship and concerns over electoral legitimacy. The unrest, marked by the prominent display of imagery referencing the anime character Monkey D. Luffy from “One Piece,” reflects widespread discontent among Madagascar’s youth.
Rajoelina, who initially came to power following a 2009 coup led by Capsat soldiers against then-President Marc Ravalomanana, recently secured a third term in office through elections in late 2023. The vote was boycotted by opposition groups, raising questions about its fairness and representativeness. Madagascar, situated off the east coast of Africa, faces meaningful economic challenges, with approximately 75 percent of its population living below the poverty line. The current protests signal a deepening crisis for Rajoelina’s administration and raise concerns about political stability in one of the world’s poorest countries. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for international aid and investment.
