Madagascar's Military Defies Orders, Joins Protesters Amidst Unrest
Thousands of protesters, many of whom are young, gathered in the capital city of Antananarivo, demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. The demonstrations, which were sparked by anger over power and water shortages, have become a broader antigovernment campaign. Amidst the chaos, some groups of Madagascan soldiers have defied orders and joined the protesters, citing solidarity and refusal to fire on their comrades.
Key Takeaways:
- Thousands of protesters, including many young people, have gathered in Antananarivo, demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina.
- The demonstrations were sparked by anger over power and water shortages, but have evolved into a broader antigovernment campaign.
- Some groups of Madagascan soldiers have defied orders and joined the protesters, citing solidarity and refusal to fire on their comrades.
- The newly appointed minister of the armed forces, General Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo, called on soldiers to "remain calm" and "prioritize dialogue".
- The UN has called on authorities to "desist from unnecessary force" and "uphold the rights to free association and peaceful assembly".
- As of Saturday, at least 22 people have been killed and 100 injured in the protests, with the UN reporting that several people were injured on Thursday as security forces dispersed protesters.
Statistics:
- Thousands of protesters gathered in Antananarivo, demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina.
- At least 22 people have been killed and 100 injured in the protests, according to the UN.
- 12 confirmed deaths, as reported by President Rajoelina, are disputed by the UN, which says all those killed were looters and vandals.
Sources:
- Al Jazeera (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/25/madagascar-imposes-curfew-after-violent-protests-against-water-power-cuts)
- Al Jazeera (https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/7/24/kenya-is-not-asleep-anymore-why-young-protesters-are-not-backing-down)
- Al Jazeera (https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/9/9/we-want-mass-resignations-nepals-gen-z-anger-explodes-after-19-killed)
- AFP news agency