Madagascar's President Flees Amidst Widespread Protests

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has fled the African nation after units of the army defected and joined the protesters, marking the second time in weeks that young protesters have toppled a government in the midst of worldwide Gen Z unrest. Demonstrations erupted on September 25 over water and power shortages, but quickly escalated into an uprising over broader grievances, including corruption, bad governance, and lack of basic services. The protests have resulted in the loss of support of key units, including CAPSAT, an elite unit that had helped Rajoelina seize power in a 2009 coup, and a faction of the paramilitary gendarmerie. The situation has led to widespread unrest, with thousands of people gathering in the capital, Antananarivo, shouting "the president must quit now".

Key Takeaways:

• President Andry Rajoelina fled Madagascar on a French military plane on Sunday, October 12, after losing the support of CAPSAT and a faction of the paramilitary gendarmerie.
• The protests, which began on September 25 over water and power shortages, have escalated into an uprising against broader grievances, including corruption, bad governance, and lack of basic services.
• At least 22 people have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces since September 25, according to the United Nations.
• Madagascar has a population of about 30 million, with three-quarters living in poverty, and a median age of less than 20.
• The country is best known for producing most of the world's vanilla, but other exports, including nickel, cobalt, textiles, and shrimps, are also vital to foreign earnings and employment.
• The protests have been compared to recent protests against ruling elites in countries including Nepal and Morocco.
• A faction of the paramilitary gendarmerie supporting the protests have taken control of the gendarmerie at a formal ceremony in the presence of senior government officials.

Statistics:

• 22 people killed in clashes between protesters and security forces since September 25, according to the United Nations.
• 30 million population of Madagascar, with three-quarters living in poverty.
• Gross domestic product per capita plunged 45 per cent between independence in 1960 and 2020, according to the World Bank.
• 16 years of Rajoelina's presidency have been characterized by enrichment of the government and political elites, while the people remain poor.

Sources:

• Reuters - Agencies
• Ada Derana
• United Nations
• World Bank