Madagascar's President Fled Amid Gen Z-Driven Unrest

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina fled the country, reportedly aboard a French military aircraft, as protests led by Gen Z swept across the island nation. The unrest, sparked by widespread water and power shortages, ultimately led to Rajoelina's weakening grip on power, with the army and paramilitary forces defecting to the protesters' side. Rajoelina's current location remains unknown, and his future remains uncertain.

Key Takeaways:

The protests in Madagascar, led by Gen Z, began on September 25 over water and power shortages but quickly evolved into a broader movement against corruption, poor governance, and a lack of basic services.
The army and paramilitary forces, including CAPSAT (an elite military unit), defected to the protesters' side, with CAPSAT declaring it would no longer fire on protesters and instead escorting thousands through the capital, Antananarivo.
The president of the Senate, Jean Andre Ndremanjary, was removed from his position and replaced with an interim leader, as per Madagascar's constitution.
The protests have resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people since demonstrations began, according to the United Nations.
Madagascar is home to around 30 million people, with a median age of under 20 and some of the highest poverty rates globally.
The country's GDP per capita fell by 45 per cent from independence in 1960 to 2020, according to the World Bank.
Rajoelina has refused to resign, despite his departure from the country, and has instead issued pardons for several individuals, including two French nationals convicted over a failed 2021 coup attempt.
The protests have also led to the appointment of a new army chief and the removal of a faction of the paramilitary gendarmerie.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to preserve constitutional order in Madagascar while recognizing the grievances of the country's youth.

Statistics:

At least 22 people have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces since demonstrations began, according to the United Nations.
Madagascar is home to around 30 million people, with a median age of under 20.
The country's GDP per capita fell by 45 per cent from independence in 1960 to 2020, according to the World Bank.
The protests began on September 25 and have continued to gain momentum over the past week.
Rajoelina has been in power since 2009, after a coup that was supported by CAPSAT.
The pardons issued by Rajoelina on Sunday included two French nationals convicted over a failed 2021 coup attempt.

Sources:

Reuters
RFI (French radio outlet)
UN (United Nations)
World Bank