Madagascar Protests Escalate as hundreds of protesters across Madagascar took to the streets on Wednesday for a fifth consecutive day, demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina in demonstrations that have shaken the government.
Inspired by youth-led protests in Kenya and Nepal, the rallies have become the largest the Indian Ocean island has seen in years and the most serious challenge to Rajoelina since his re-election in 2023.
The unrest began last week in the capital, Antananarivo, over nationwide water shortages and power blackouts but quickly spread across the country. In a bid to ease tensions, Rajoelina dissolved his government on Monday, though the move failed to quell public anger.
A message posted on the protest movement’s Facebook page called for the president’s resignation along with the dissolution of the election commission, the senate, and the country’s top court.
Protesters Chant ‘Rajoelina Out’
The United Nations reports that at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the demonstrations began, figures the government disputes.
On Wednesday, crowds gathered in Antananarivo and in towns including Toliara, 925 km (575 miles) south of the capital, chanting “get out” and waving banners reading “Rajoelina Out,” according to footage aired by privately-owned Radio Télévision Siteny. Protesters were flanked by security vehicles, while others marched in rickshaws.
Also Read:
Presidential spokesperson Lova Ranoromaro wrote on Facebook that property had been destroyed and homes looted, warning against a military takeover.
“We do not want a coup d’état, because a coup d’état destroys a nation, because a coup d’état destroys the future of our children,” she said.
Opposition leader Rivo Rakotovao announced that his alliance, Firaisankina, would not participate in any new government while Rajoelina remains in power.
“We fully support this action to rescue the Malagasy people and rebuild the nation, led by the Malagasy people and driven by the youth,” he told a news conference.
Rajoelina, a former DJ turned politician, first seized power in a 2009 coup before stepping down in 2014. He returned to the presidency after winning the 2018 election and secured a third term in December 2023, a vote opponents claimed was marred by irregularities.
Meanwhile, from the Vatican, Pope Francis expressed sadness over the violent clashes in the largely Christian country.
“Let us pray to the Lord that every form of violence may always be avoided and that the constant pursuit of social harmony may be fostered through the promotion of justice and the common good,” he said in his weekly address.
