Madagascar is facing a critical juncture as its president, Andry Rajoelina, claims an illegal power grab is underway. This situation is unfolding amidst escalating protests and military involvement, raising serious questions about the country's future.
On Saturday, an elite military unit known as Capsat, joined demonstrators in the streets. This unit then announced it was taking control of the army, a move that President Rajoelina has condemned as an attempt to seize power unlawfully.
The unrest stems from weeks of youth-led protests that began on September 25th. Initially focused on water and electricity shortages, the demonstrations quickly expanded to include demands for President Rajoelina's resignation, an end to corruption, and a complete overhaul of the political system.
President Rajoelina, in a statement released on Sunday morning, asserted that he was "in the country… managing national affairs." Meanwhile, the newly appointed prime minister, Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, stated on state television that the government was ready to engage in dialogue with all parties involved, including youth groups, unions, and the military.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Capsat unit, which previously helped bring Rajoelina to power in a 2009 coup, announced on Sunday morning that they were taking command of the military. General Demosthene Pikulas, the head of Capsat, was later installed as chief of the army staff. During the ceremony, the armed forces minister, Manantsoa Deramasinjaka Rakotoarivelo, offered his blessing to Pikulas.
General Pikulas acknowledged the "unpredictable" events of the past few days and stated the army's responsibility to restore peace and calm. When asked about calls for Rajoelina's resignation, he declined to discuss politics within a military setting.
On Saturday, Capsat declared it would not fire on protesters and urged the rest of the military to join forces. The unit's members left their base in armored vehicles, joining thousands of cheering protesters at the symbolic May 13 Square.
A Capsat general reported that one of their soldiers was killed by the gendarmerie (police under the defense ministry), and a journalist was shot. The UN reported at least 22 deaths at the start of the protests in September, a figure disputed by Rajoelina, who claimed only 12 "looters and vandals" had died.
The protests were initially organized by Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless group of young people inspired by similar movements in Indonesia and Nepal.
In response to the initial demonstrations, Rajoelina dissolved his government on September 29th. However, Gen Z Madagascar rejected this move as insufficient, demanding the resignation of the president, the leader of parliament, and constitutional court judges. Protesters continued to chant, "Miala Rajoelina!" (Leave Rajoelina!).
And this is the part most people miss... Some young activists expressed concerns about Capsat's intervention, with one labeling the soldiers and opposition politicians who joined them as "dangerous."
Madagascar, a nation of approximately 32 million people, faces significant economic challenges. It is one of the world’s poorest countries, with a GDP per capita of just $545 last year, according to the World Bank. The country also struggles with corruption, ranking 140th out of 180 countries in Transparency International's 2024 corruption perceptions index.
What do you think? Do you believe the military's actions are justified, or is this a blatant power grab? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
