Madagascar's President Evacuated Amidst Protests and Military Mutiny

Strategic Insights -

Madagascar's president Andry Rajoelina has been evacuated from the country by a French military plane as protests and a military mutiny threaten to topple his government. The evacuation followed an agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron, who stated that French authorities are not intervening in Madagascar's internal crisis. The unrest began on September 25 over widespread water and electricity cuts, but has grown into a nationwide movement demanding Rajoelina's resignation. Security forces have used force to disperse demonstrations, while officers backing the protesters have taken control of the paramilitary gendarmerie.

Key Takeaways:

  • Madagascar's president Andry Rajoelina was evacuated from the country by a French military plane on an undisclosed date.
  • The evacuation followed an agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron, who stated that French authorities are not intervening in Madagascar's internal crisis.
  • The protests began on September 25 over widespread water and electricity cuts and have grown into a nationwide movement demanding Rajoelina's resignation.
  • Security forces have used force to disperse demonstrations, while officers backing the protesters have taken control of the paramilitary gendarmerie.
  • Former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and businessman Mamy Ravatomanga, a close ally of Rajoelina, fled to Mauritius on a private jet on Saturday night.
  • Rajoelina was absent from a ceremony to install General Nonos Mbina Mamelison as head of the gendarmerie on the same day.
  • Around a thousand people gathered in Antananarivo's Place du 13 Mai to celebrate the Capsat troops, who were marching through the city with armoured vehicles and waving flags.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,000 people gathered in Antananarivo's Place du 13 Mai to celebrate the Capsat troops.
  • Three armoured vehicles carrying solders with weapons marched through the city, waving Malagasy flags and smiling at the crowd.
  • The protests began on September 25, coinciding with widespread water and electricity cuts.
  • The nationwide movement demands Rajoelina's resignation.
  • A private jet transported former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and businessman Mamy Ravatomanga to Mauritius on Saturday night.

Sources:

  • RFI (Radio France Internationale)
  • Newswires