On Monday, thousands of people gathered in a square in the capital, shouting: "the President must quit now." Protests in Madagascar began on September 25, influenced by global Gen Z unrest. According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the demonstrations began although Rajoelina’s government have disputed these figures. The protests were due to water and power shortages, but quickly escalated into an uprising over broader grievances including corruption, bad governance and a lack of basic services.
This is very similar to the recent happenings against the ruling elites like in Nepal where the prime minister was forced to resign last month.
Over the weekend, soldiers were seen mingling with jubilant demonstrators. Hours later, CAPSAT, an elite military unit, which played a key role in the 2009 coup that first brought Rajoelina to power, said it had taken control of the country’s military command. It had earlier announced it would "refuse orders to shoot" demonstrators.
The embattled leader was scheduled to address the nation on Monday evening but cancelled the broadcast a second time after reports surfaced that soldiers planned to seize the state television station. Andry Rajoelina had reportedly fled the country on a French military plane amid escalating anti-government protests and growing defections within the military.
Before his reported departure, Rajoelina accused elements within the armed forces of plotting a coup.
If the President’s office falls vacant, the leader of the senate takes the post until elections are held. The President of the Senate,a focus of public anger during the protests has been relieved of his duties and another ( André Ndremanjary) appointed as his replacement on a temporary basis.
On Tuesday, a Madagascar army Colonel said the military had taken charge of the African island nation. There were celebrations in the streets of the capital following this announcement. Colonel Randrianirina also said that the military was dissolving all institutions except the lower house of parliament. He later told reporters that a committee led by the military would rule the country for a period of up to 2 years alongside a transitional government before organising new elections.
The following institutions have been suspended: the Senate, the High Constitutional Court, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the High Court of Justice, The High Council for the Defense of Human Rights and the Rule of Law.
Madagascar, where the median age is less than 20 has a population of about 30 million, three-quarters of whom live in poverty. GDP per capital plunged 45% from the time of independence in 1960 to 2020, according to the world bank. With Rajoelina reportedly out of the country and the military backing protesters and eventually taking over, Madagascar faces it’s most volatile political moment in years.
