Madagascar is experiencing political turmoil as President Andry Rajoelina has reportedly fled the country following widespread protests that have escalated since late September. The protests began over basic services like water and electricity but quickly morphed into broader demonstrations against corruption and poor governance. Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko and various military sources confirmed that Rajoelina departed on a French military aircraft, marking the second time in just over a month that younger citizens have successfully challenged a government amidst a wave of global unrest driven by the Gen Z generation.
In a recent broadcast on Facebook, Rajoelina addressed the nation, stating he relocated to a “safe location” to protect his life without specifying where he had gone. Although he expressed a defiant stance against allowing Madagascar to be “destroyed,” reports indicate he is steadfast in refusing to resign. A military source revealed that the president faced a significant shift in support as units formerly loyal to him, including the elite military unit known as CAPSAT, sided with the protesters, declaring they would not engage in violence against civilians.
Protests intensified over the weekend, leading to thousands of participants gathering in the capital, Antananarivo, declaring their demand for the president to step down. Increasingly frustrated citizens highlighted their grievances, with many asserting that Rajoelina and his administration had failed to address rising poverty and deteriorating living conditions. Reports indicate that at least 22 individuals have lost their lives in the clashes, exposing the escalation of unrest.
Before his departure, Rajoelina issued pardons for several individuals, including two French nationals previously convicted for attempting a coup in 2021. His exit mirrors similar uprisings in countries such as Nepal and Morocco, where governments are facing pressure from growing public dissatisfaction. Madagascar’s turmoil comes as the nation grapples with a significant youth demographic—three-quarters of the population grappling with poverty amid an economy that has severely contracted in recent decades.
The unfolding situation raises critical questions about leadership, stability, and the impact of international relations, particularly with France, a former colonial power. As the potential for new governance structures emerges, the situation remains fluid, and the voices of Madagascar’s youth could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation amidst efforts to restore order and address the entrenched challenges they face.