Antananarivo, madagascar – President Andry Rajoelina has warned of a coup attempt as protests continue to escalate across madagascar, wiht recent demonstrations drawing support from elements within the country’s military. The unrest, fueled by widespread poverty and inspired by youth-led movements in other nations, has resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries as late September, according to the United Nations.
The escalating crisis stems from deep-seated economic hardship in Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations, where 78 percent of the population lives in poverty and nearly half of children under five are malnourished. Protests began in late September and have gained momentum, mirroring demonstrations seen recently in Kenya, Nepal, and Morocco, driven by gen Z’s increasing engagement in political activism.
Yesterday, a segment of the army joined demonstrators in the capital, Antananarivo, with troops from the elite CAPSAT unit reportedly expressing support for the protesters and urging fellow soldiers to disregard presidential orders. Army vehicles were used to escort demonstrators to May 13 Square, a historically meaningful site for political uprisings, which had previously been heavily guarded and off-limits to protesters. Police withdrew from the square upon observing the army’s participation.
In an attempt to quell the unrest, President Rajoelina, who has been in power since 2019 and is currently in his second term, previously dissolved parts of his government, dismissing the prime minister and several ministers. Despite this move, protests have persisted and intensified. The United Nations reports at least 22 fatalities, while the government acknowledges 12 deaths.
