Madagascar's Gen Z Protests: President Rajoelina Flees as Military Joins Demonstrators, Government Collapses

 

After weeks of nationwide protests led by Gen Z activists, Madagascar reached a breaking point on Saturday when an elite military force known as CAPSAT switched allegiance and sided with demonstrators, demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina and senior government

 

officials.

 

With the powerful unit's defection, the government effectively lost control, and President Rajoelina fled the country, claiming he did so to safeguard his life amid what he described as a coup attempt. The Gen Z-led movement in Madagascar follows a similar youth uprising that toppled the government in Nepal just a month earlier Rajoelina's Statement from Hiding

 

In a video address aired late on Monday, October 13, from an undisclosed location, President Rajoelina said, "I was compelled to find safety to protect my life." According to his office and Associated Press reports, the address - originally planned for national television - was delayed after soldiers attempted to seize the state broadcaster's facilities.

 

The message was eventually released via the presidency's official Facebook page instead of being broadcast on national TV. It marked Rajoelina's first public appearance since CAPSAT defected from his administration and joined thousands of protesters gathered in Antananarivo's central square over the weekendRajoelina appealed for dialogue to restore stability and urged all sides to respect the constitution, saying it was the only way to "find a peaceful way out of this situation."

 

When and Why Did the Protests Begin?

 

The demonstrations began on September 25, initially triggered by severe water and electricity shortages that disrupted daily life across Madagascar. What started as anger over basic services soon escalated into a broader anti-government movement fueled by dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's leadership and questions about his reported French citizenship - an issue that has long caused resentment among citizens of the island nation.

 

This wave of unrest is the most significant political crisis Madagascar has faced since 2009, when Rajoelina first rose to power through a military-backed coup. Ironically, the same CAPSATnow rebelling against him was instrumental in bringing him to power 16 years ago.

 

While Rajoelina has avoided naming those responsible for what he terms a "coup attempt," the CAPSAT faction announced it had assumed command of the country's armed forces and appointed a new military leader - a move reportedly acknowledged by the defence minister in Rajoelina's absence.

 

Reports suggest CAPSAT currently holds dominant military position and enjoys support from other branches, including the gendarmerie. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, one of CAPSAT's leading commanders, told reporters that the army had "responded to the will of the people" but denied the movement was a coup. He added that Madagascar's political future including whether Rajoelina resigns or new elections are called - should be determined by the nation's citizens.Casualties and International Response

 

According to United Nations figures, at least 22 people have been killed and dozens more injured during the protests. The UN criticized the authorities for using excessive force against demonstrators, stating that the early stages of the protests were largely peaceful.

 

The government has, however, disputed the casualty numbers reported by the UN.