A military contingent from a base near Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, entered the city on Saturday, publicly encouraging defiance against orders to fire on demonstrators. This move was met with applause from the gathered crowds. According to France 24, the soldiers urged police and gendarmes to "join forces" with the public and demanded that troops stationed at presidential palaces abandon their posts and block the airport, as they took positions in the iconic May 13 Square.
Various media outlets report that Andry Rajoelina, the president of Madagascar, an island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa, may have fled the country, with his current whereabouts unknown. Videos circulated by the military showed them instructing other troops to "disobey their superiors" and "aim their weapons" at those ordering them to fire on fellow citizens during a historic wave of protests demanding essential service improvements.
Images shared by AFP depicted military vehicles joining the protests, with Malagasy flags waving among the participants. Thousands continued their demonstrations in the capital, marking the largest mobilization in recent days. The state's response was inconsistent: some law enforcement used tear gas and grenades to disperse crowds around Lake Anosy, while armed soldiers joined the protests to chants of "Thank you!"
The new Minister of the Armed Forces, Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo, called for calm and emphasized dialogue, reminding that the military "remains a mediator and the last line of defense for the nation." The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged an end to the unnecessary use of force.
According to the United Nations, at least 26 people have been killed and over a hundred injured since the protests began on September 25. Political tensions escalated as Rajoelina hardened his stance; after dismissing his government, he appointed a military prime minister on October 6 and introduced three new ministers—all from security forces—overseeing Defense, Public Security, and the Gendarmerie.
The call for military disobedience is reminiscent of 2009, when the same contingent led a revolt during a popular uprising that brought Rajoelina to power. The protests, initially sparked by demands for water, electricity, health improvements, and an end to corruption, have evolved into calls for the president's resignation.
May 13 Square, a historical focal point for major political crises since the 1970s, has again become the heart of the mobilization, while the government's direction and the loyalty of the armed forces remain uncertain.
Historic Unrest in Madagascar
The wave of protests in Madagascar signifies a critical political and social turning point with immediate regional and governance implications. What began as demands for basic social services has transformed into a substantial political challenge.
Citizens initially called for better access to water and electricity, demanding improvements and an end to abusive practices. In response to police repression, protesters shifted their demands to include President Rajoelina's resignation.
In summary, the upheaval combines socioeconomic discontent, documented state violence, unusual military alignments, and a historical precedent suggesting that the crisis could redefine the balance of power in Madagascar.
Key Questions About Madagascar's Military and Political Crisis
What prompted the military's defection in Madagascar?
The military defection was prompted by orders to fire on demonstrators, which soldiers were unwilling to follow. This defiance reflects broader dissatisfaction with the government's handling of protests demanding essential services.
What are the main demands of the protesters in Madagascar?
Protesters in Madagascar are demanding better access to basic services like water and electricity, improvements in healthcare, and an end to corruption. The movement has evolved to also call for the resignation of President Rajoelina.
How has the international community responded to the situation in Madagascar?
The international community, including the UN, has urged restraint and an end to the use of unnecessary force. Organizations are closely monitoring the situation, given its potential impact on regional stability.
What historical events in Madagascar does this crisis resemble?
The current crisis in Madagascar is reminiscent of the 2009 uprising, where the military played a significant role in a popular revolt that ultimately led to Andry Rajoelina's rise to power.