News|ProtestsMadagascar soldiers join antigovernment protesters assembled in capitalYouth-led demonstrators enter Antananarivo’s May 13 Square for the first time since protests erupted last month.
Recent events in Madagascar have seen segments of the military aligning with anti-government demonstrators in the capital, Antananarivo. These developments are part of a growing movement against the administration of President Andry Rajoelina.
Recent events in Madagascar have seen segments of the military aligning with anti-government demonstrators in the capital, Antananarivo. These developments are part of a growing movement against the administration of President Andry Rajoelina.
On Saturday, a significant number of youth-led protesters gathered in May 13 Square, marking one of the largest demonstrations in recent times. Some soldiers, particularly from the elite CAPSAT unit, have expressed solidarity with the demonstrators. The unit was instrumental in President Rajoelina’s rise to power in 2009.
In a public call, soldiers urged their peers to refuse orders to engage in violent actions against civilians and to block any aircraft from departing the airport. They emphasized not following orders to fire on fellow citizens.
The newly appointed Minister of the Armed Forces, General Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo, has called for calm and dialogue among dissenting military personnel. He emphasized the role of the Malagasy army as a mediator and defender of the nation.
Recent events in Madagascar have seen segments of the military aligning with anti-government demonstrators in the capital, Antananarivo.
President Rajoelina, in response to the protests, has made significant changes to his government, appointing military officer Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new Prime Minister and selecting cabinet members from military and security backgrounds.
The demonstrations, initially sparked by power and water shortages, have evolved into a broader anti-government campaign. The United Nations has expressed concern over the use of force against protesters and has called for respect for the rights to free association and peaceful assembly. Reports indicate at least 22 fatalities and 100 injuries during the protests, though President Rajoelina disputes these numbers.
Madagascar has a history of political instability, with frequent uprisings since its independence in 1960. President Rajoelina, who first came to power in 2009, has faced opposition challenges during his elections in 2018 and 2023.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
