Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina declared this Sunday, October 12, that an “illegal and forced attempt to seize power” was underway, one day after a contingent of soldiers gathered alongside thousands of anti-government protesters in the capital, Antananarivo.
“The Presidency of the Republic wishes to inform the nation and the international community that an illegal and forced attempt to take power is underway in the national territorycontrary to the Constitution and democratic principles”, said Rajoelina, in a statement.
Not Saturday, Malagasy soldiers joined thousands of protesters on the streets of Antananarivo, calling on security forces to “refuse orders to fire” on the population and condemning the recent police repression.
Before abandoning their military base in the district of Soanierana, on the outskirts of Antananarivo, the soldiers of CAPSAT (Corps of the Army of Personnel and Administrative and Technical Services) called for disobedience. In 2009, this same base had already led a rebellion during the popular uprising that brought the current President to power.
Saturday’s demonstration in Antananarivo was one of the largest since the protests began on September 25, triggered by the ‘Gen Z’ movement (young people born between 1997 and 2012), in protest at water and electricity cuts, which evolved into widespread criticism of political leaders in power, starting with President Rajoelina.
The soldiers faced elements of the ‘gendarmerie’ in front of a barracks and entered the city aboard military vehicles to join the protesters in the symbolic Praça 13 de Maio, in front of the Antananarivo City Council, where they were received with applause and calls for Rajoelina’s resignation.
On Saturday night, the new Prime Minister, Ruphin Zafisambo, assured that the Government, “which remains firmly in place”, is “ready to collaborate and listen to all forces: young people, the unions and the army”.
“Madagascar will not be able to resist new crises if this division among citizens persists,” added General Zafisambo in a brief recorded speech.
For its part, the Presidency released a statement guaranteeing that Rajoelina “remains in the country” and “continues to manage national affairs”.
According to a United Nations report, at least 22 people have been killed since the demonstrations began and more than a hundred have been injured.
President Rajoelina denied these “wrong numbers” on Wednesday, estimating the “loss of life” at 12, all “from looters, vandals”, as he stated.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on Friday called on Madagascar authorities to “cease the use of unnecessary force” in the protests, which have already caused several deaths.
Despite its natural riches, Madagascar remains one of the poorest countries in the world and almost 75% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2021according to the World Bank.