Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina, has disclosed that he left the country due to safety concerns following a military uprising. In a televised address on Monday night from an undisclosed location, Rajoelina did not tender his resignation but acknowledged the ongoing situation.
The President has been confronted with protests led by the younger generation, culminating in a critical juncture when an elite military faction aligned with the demonstrators demanded the resignation of Rajoelina and other government officials. Consequently, Rajoelina described the events as an illegal power grab within the island nation and opted to depart.
In his delayed speech, Rajoelina emphasized the necessity for dialogue to resolve the crisis and emphasized the importance of upholding the constitution. While details of his departure remain undisclosed, reports suggest he was evacuated from Madagascar via a French military aircraft.
Meanwhile, a French Foreign Ministry representative declined to comment on these claims. Notably, Madagascar, a former French colony, has seen discontent among some citizens due to Rajoelina’s reported French citizenship.
The ongoing protests, initially sparked by persistent water and electricity shortages on September 25, have evolved into broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina’s administration. This unrest represents a significant upheaval in the nation of 31 million inhabitants, reminiscent of the circumstances that brought Rajoelina to power following a military-backed coup in 2009.
The elite CAPSAT military unit, which was pivotal in Rajoelina’s rise to power in 2009, now asserts control over the armed forces in Madagascar. The unit has appointed a new military leader, a move sanctioned by the defense minister in Rajoelina’s absence. While denying a coup, CAPSAT has gained support from various military factions, including the gendarmerie.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a commander from CAPSAT, stated that the army responded to public calls for change. He stressed that the future of Madagascar lies in the hands of its people, advocating for a potential transfer of power and fresh elections.
Amidst escalating tensions, the U.S. Embassy advised American citizens in Madagascar to remain indoors due to the volatile environment. The African Union urged all parties, civilian and military alike, to exercise restraint and maintain calm.
The protests, led initially by a group identifying as “Gen Z Madagascar,” have led to at least 22 fatalities and numerous injuries, as per the United Nations. Criticism has been directed at Madagascar’s authorities for their forceful handling of what were largely peaceful demonstrations at the outset. Discrepancies exist regarding the reported death toll.
These demonstrations have highlighted various grievances, including economic hardships, educational access, alleged corruption within the government, and affiliated individuals. The protests have prompted curfews in major cities, with restrictions still in effect in Antananarivo and Antsiranana.
The origins of the uprising trace back to Gen Z protesters mobilizing online, drawing inspiration from similar movements in other countries. Madagascar’s history is marred by political upheavals, with Rajoelina himself ascending to power in the aftermath of a 2009 coup.
Notably, Madagascar has witnessed a series of coups and political crises since gaining independence in 1960. Rajoelina, aged 51, assumed leadership post the 2009 coup and secured presidential victories in 2018 and 2023 amid opposition boycotts.
Furthermore, former prime minister and a close advisor to Rajoelina have also left Madagascar, seeking refuge in Mauritius. The Mauritian government expressed reservations regarding the unsanctioned landing of a private aircraft carrying the officials.
The situation in Madagascar remains fluid, with widespread implications for the nation’s political landscape and future governance.
