Madagascar's President Evacuated Amidst Youth Protests

Strategic Insights -

Youth protests calling for President Andry Rajoelina to step down have gained momentum in Madagascar, prompting the president to be evacuated by a French military plane. The protests, which began three weeks ago, were initially sparked by electricity and water outages but have since escalated into a broader critique of the government and Rajoelina's leadership. The president's evacuation follows a deal with French President Emmanuel Macron, as protesters urged fellow soldiers to disobey orders and side with them. Crowds gathered in the capital ahead of Rajoelina's scheduled speech, with some calling for his resignation and the organization of elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The youth protests in Madagascar, known as "Gen Z", have swept across various countries, including Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Indonesia, Kenya, and the Philippines, in recent months.
  • The protests in Madagascar have been marked by widespread dissatisfaction with the government and President Rajoelina's leadership, including grievances such as high inequality, rising costs, youth unemployment, corruption, nepotism, and poor governance.
  • The CAPSAT army unit, which supported Rajoelina's seizure of power in a 2009 coup, has taken control of the paramilitary gendarmerie and urged fellow soldiers to disobey orders and back the demonstrators.
  • The protests have been largely organized through social media without clear leaders, and have been characterized by a broad set of grievances that go beyond economic issues.
  • President Rajoelina's office has condemned the protests as an "attempt to seize power illegally and by force," but the situation remains fluid, with curfews in place and significant incidents of violence reported.
  • Madagascar has had several leaders removed in coups since gaining independence from France in 1960.

Statistics:

  • Three weeks of protest in Madagascar, with demonstrators calling for President Rajoelina's resignation.
  • Over 10 countries have seen youth protests, including Madagascar, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Indonesia, Kenya, and the Philippines.
  • The protests have mobilized through social media, with no clear leaders.
  • 24-year-old law student Finaritra Manitra Andrianamelasoa was quoted saying, "We hope that he will apologize and genuinely announce his resignation."
  • The president had not been seen in public since last week.
  • The CAPSAT army unit, which supported Rajoelina's seizure of power in a 2009 coup, has taken control of the paramilitary gendarmerie.
  • The situation remains fluid, with curfews in place and significant incidents of violence reported.

Sources:

  • AFP, citing law student Finaritra Manitra Andrianamelasoa, 24, saying, "We hope that he will apologize and genuinely announce his resignation."
  • Reuters, reporting that officers supporting youth protesters had taken control of the paramilitary gendarmerie.
  • The Telegraph, reporting that crowds began gathering in the capital ahead of Rajoelina's scheduled speech.
  • The New Nation, citing the Foreign Office warning against all but essential travel to Madagascar.
  • RFI, reporting that President Rajoelina had been evacuated by a French military plane.
  • Official statement from the President's office, condemning the protests as an "attempt to seize power illegally and by force."