Madagascar President Alleges Illegal Power Grab Amidst Protests
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has declared that an “attempt to seize power illegally and by force” is underway, following weeks of youth-led protests and an announcement by an elite military unit that it was taking control of the army. The unrest stems from protests that began on September 25th, initially triggered by water and electricity shortages, but later expanding to demands for Rajoelina’s resignation and a complete overhaul of the political system.
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Military Unit Announces Takeover
The Capsat unit, an elite military group with a history of involvement in previous power shifts in Madagascar, announced its takeover of the army. This announcement followed weeks of protests calling for governmental change. Soldiers from Capsat had previously declared their refusal to fire on demonstrators, further escalating the situation. The unit’s actions represent a significant challenge to the current administration.
General Demosthene Pikulas, head of Capsat, was installed as chief of the army staff in a ceremony at army headquarters. The armed forces minister, Manantsoa Deramasinjaka Rakotoarivelo, reportedly gave his blessing to Pikulas. Pikulas acknowledged the unpredictable nature of recent events and stated the army’s responsibility to restore calm and peace throughout Madagascar, while declining to comment on the president’s resignation when asked by journalists.
Protests and Public Reaction
The protests were initially coordinated by Gen Z Madagascar, a youth-led group inspired by similar movements in Indonesia and Nepal. Their demands included the resignation of President Rajoelina, as well as the leaders of parliament and constitutional court judges. The protesters have been chanting “Miala Rajoelina!” (Leave Rajoelina!).
While some activists expressed concern regarding Capsat’s intervention, others have welcomed the military unit’s support. The protests have highlighted deep-seated issues of corruption and economic hardship in Madagascar, which ranks low on Transparency International’s corruption perceptions index and has a GDP per capita of just $545.
Government Response and Casualties
In response to the initial demonstrations, President Rajoelina fired his government on September 29th. However, Gen Z Madagascar rejected this move as insufficient. The United Nations reported at least 22 deaths at the start of the protests in September, though Rajoelina disputed this, stating that 12 “looters and vandals” had died. Capsat reported one of their soldiers was killed by the gendarmerie, and a journalist was shot.
President’s Stance and International Concern
President Rajoelina maintains that he is still “in the country… managing national affairs.” The newly appointed prime minister, Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, stated the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue with all factions. The president’s statement regarding an illegal power grab suggests a firm stance against the military’s actions and a potential escalation of the conflict.
The situation in Madagascar remains fluid and uncertain. The actions of the Capsat unit, the ongoing protests, and the president’s response all contribute to a complex and potentially volatile political climate. The international community is likely monitoring the events closely, given Madagascar’s strategic location and its history of political instability.
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