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Coups d'etat

Madagascar President Condemns Attempted Coup as Unrest Continues

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Madagascar has been gripped by weeks of unrest, with protests led by a group calling itself "Gen Z Madagascar" calling for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina and other government officials. The President's office has condemned an "attempt to seize power illegally and by force," but the identity of those behind the attempt remains unclear. The United Nations has reported 22 deaths and dozens of injuries among the protesters, but the government disputes this number. Members of the elite Capsat military unit have joined the protests, with one colonel saying "Do we call this a coup? I don't know yet."

Key Takeaways:

  • The President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, has condemned an "attempt to seize power illegally and by force" amid ongoing protests against his government.
  • The protests, led by a group called "Gen Z Madagascar," have resulted in 22 reported deaths and dozens of injuries, according to the United Nations.
  • Members of the elite Capsat military unit have joined the protests, with one colonel saying the protesters are seeking the resignation of the President and other government officials.
  • The protesters have raised a range of issues, including poverty, access to education, and alleged corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
  • The President has attempted to appease the protesters by firing his entire government, but this has not resulted in an end to the unrest.

Statistics:

  • 22 deaths reported by the United Nations after three weeks of protests
  • Dozens of injuries reported among protesters, according to the United Nations
  • Protests have resulted in nighttime curfews being enforced in the capital Antananarivo and other major cities
  • Protests began on September 25 and continue to this day

Sources:

  • "Madagascar president condemns attempt to seize power." Reuters US, 7 Oct. 2022.
  • "UN reports 'alarming' death toll in Madagascar protests." Al Jazeera, 6 Oct. 2022.
  • "Madagascar protests: President dismisses entire government." BBC News, 30 Sep. 2022.
  • "Madagascar protests: Officials arrested as unrest continues." CNN, 28 Sep. 2022.

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