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Rajoelina, Andry

Madagascar's President Rajoelina Dissolves Parliament Amid Spiraling Crisis

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Madagascar's embattled President Andry Rajoelina has issued a decree dissolving the National Assembly as he attempts to avert a slide from power, amidst widespread protests calling for his resignation. The development comes as parts of the military and police offer support to the demonstrations, leaving the island nation's political crisis on the brink of chaos. Rajoelina, who has fled the country, justified the move as necessary to "restore order within our nation and strengthen democracy." However, opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko has disputed the decree's validity, citing the lack of consultation with the president of the National Assembly.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Andry Rajoelina dissolved the National Assembly through a decree issued on social media, claiming it was necessary to "restore order within our nation and strengthen democracy."
  • The move has been met with opposition, with Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, the leader of the National Assembly, disputing the decree's validity, stating it was "not legally valid" due to lack of consultation.
  • The crisis began with mass protests calling for Rajoelina's resignation, led by Gen Z groups, over concerns of water and power outages, as well as poverty and government corruption.
  • The protests have received support from parts of the military and police, with thousands gathering in the capital to demonstrate against the government.
  • Rajoelina, who has fled the country, has defended his actions, stating he is "on a mission to find solutions" to the crisis and will not let the nation "destroy itself."
  • At least 22 people have been killed and over 100 injured since the demonstrations began, according to the United Nations, although the government disputes these figures.

Statistics:

  • At least 22 people have been killed in the protests, although the government disputes these figures.
  • Over 100 people have been injured since the demonstrations began.
  • Only a third of the population has access to electricity in Madagascar, with blackouts exceeding eight hours a day.
  • The protests have been led by Gen Z groups, with similar youth-led demonstrations in South Asia having unseated governments in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Sources:

  • Al Jazeera, "Madagascar's President Rajoelina Flees to Safe Location Amid Deadly Protests"
  • Al Jazeera, "Madagascar president addresses nation as protesters call for new rallies"
  • Al Jazeera, "What to know about Madagascar's crisis"
  • Al Jazeera, "Kenya's protests are not a symptom of failed democracy, they are democracy"
  • Al Jazeera, "Indonesia in chaos: Five Indonesians give views on why and how to fix"
  • Al Jazeera, "Peru's Gen Z rallies against President Boluarte"
  • Al Jazeera, "Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal: Is South Asia fertile for Gen Z revolutions?"
  • Al Jazeera, "Protesters reject offer for dialogue as unrest escalates in Madagascar"

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