The presidency of Madagascar has issued a statement indicating that an illegal power grab is currently underway in the nation. This declaration follows a series of protests that began on September 25, primarily driven by youth discontent over issues such as water shortages, electricity outages, and soaring living costs.
In a surprising turn of events, the military unit known as CAPSAT announced that it had assumed control of the armed forces, encompassing the army, air force, and navy. This unit is notable for its significant involvement in the political upheaval of 2009, which facilitated President Andry Rajoelina’s rise to power. Rajoelina’s administration has faced increasing criticism due to rampant unemployment, corruption, and a financial crisis affecting the populace.
Protests escalate in Antananarivo
In his statement, Rajoelina condemned the actions as a “complete violation of the Constitution and democratic principles,” urging the country’s essential forces to stand united in defense of constitutional order and national integrity. Subsequently, CAPSAT appointed Gen Demosthene Pikulas as its new chief of staff, as disclosed in a post on its official Facebook page.
Protesters have now gathered in Antananarivo’s main square for the second consecutive day, a notable achievement since they had previously struggled to reach the historic May 13 Square, a site symbolic of previous democratic movements. One demonstrator expressed their elation, stating, “We’re happy and relieved. It’s a great victory. We won’t stop the struggle until President Rajoelina resigns,” highlighting the determination of the protestors.
Military involvement shifts the dynamics
The protests gained momentum when CAPSAT troops unexpectedly joined the demonstrators, denouncing the excessive force used by other security units against peaceful protesters. Tensions escalated further when gunfire erupted at a CAPSAT camp, marking a troubling turn in the events. Reports indicate that one soldier was fatally shot by gendarmes during the chaos.
The ongoing unrest has prompted Air France to suspend its flights to Antananarivo at least until Tuesday, citing safety concerns. The Gen Z Mada protest movement has utilized social media effectively to galvanize support, presenting a formidable challenge to Rajoelina since his re-election earlier this year.
Despite the turmoil, a statement from the presidency reassured the public that both Rajoelina and the newly appointed prime minister—a general—were firmly in control of the situation. Meanwhile, UN human rights chief Volker Türk has called for security forces to refrain from using “unnecessary and disproportionate force” in addressing the protests, reporting a death toll of at least 22, a figure disputed by Rajoelina who claims only 12 fatalities were confirmed, all associated with looting and vandalism.
Madagascar, despite its wealth of natural resources, continues to grapple with severe poverty, with approximately 75% of its population living below the poverty line, according to data from the World Bank. Furthermore, only about one-third of Madagascar’s 30 million residents have access to electricity, as noted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).