Political Crisis Deepens as Military Joins Anti-Government Protests
Madagascar is facing its most serious political crisis in years as President Andry Rajoelina has declared an attempted illegal seizure of power is underway. The warning comes after soldiers from the elite CAPSAT military unit joined thousands of youth-led protesters in the capital Antananarivo, creating a volatile situation that threatens to destabilize the Indian Ocean island nation.
Military Defection Escalates Crisis
The crisis reached a critical turning point when CAPSAT troops, who previously helped Rajoelina seize power in a 2009 coup, publicly declared their support for the protesters. "We cannot continue to follow orders that harm our own people," one CAPSAT soldier told reporters. "The military should protect the people, not oppress them." The unit announced they were taking control of all military forces in the country and urged fellow soldiers to disobey presidential orders.
Military vehicles escorted protesters to the symbolic 13 May Square in Antananarivo, a location that has witnessed numerous political uprisings throughout Madagascar's history. When police saw the military joining the demonstrations, they abandoned their positions at the square, effectively ceding control to the protesters and their new military allies.
Origins of the Protests
The current wave of protests began on September 25, initially sparked by widespread anger over chronic water and electricity shortages that have plagued the country for months. However, the demonstrations quickly evolved into a broader movement demanding political change. "We started protesting because we had no water, no electricity, but now we realize the real problem is the government itself," said 24-year-old student Marie Rasoanaivo.
The protests have drawn inspiration from similar youth-led movements across Africa and Asia. According to recent analysis, Generation Z activists in countries like Kenya, Nepal, and Morocco have been taking to the streets to demand better governance and economic opportunities.
Human Cost and International Response
The United Nations reports that at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the protests began, though the government maintains the death toll is only 12. The violence prompted President Rajoelina to dissolve part of his government earlier this month, firing the prime minister and several ministers in an attempt to appease the protesters.
The African Union has called for calm and welcomed the government's commitment to dialogue. "We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and seek peaceful resolution through dialogue," an AU spokesperson stated.
Economic Context
Madagascar remains one of the world's poorest countries, with the United Nations estimating that 78 percent of the population lives in poverty. Nearly half of children under five suffer from malnutrition, highlighting the deep economic challenges facing the nation. The country's economic struggles have been exacerbated by political instability, including the 2009 coup that first brought Rajoelina to power.
President Rajoelina, now serving his second term after being reelected in 2023, has condemned what he calls destabilization attempts while calling for dialogue. "I remain committed to finding peaceful solutions to the challenges facing our nation," he stated in a recent address. However, with military forces now openly siding with protesters and rival factions claiming control over security operations, Madagascar faces an uncertain future that could reshape its political landscape for years to come.