Madagascar is currently undergoing dramatic popular upheaval. Protests are intensifying across the Indian Ocean island nation against President Andry Rajoelina’s government, a country of roughly 30 million people. The protests began on September 25. Yet they have proven to be the most formidable challenge to Rajoelina’s rule since he was re-elected in early 2023. With three-quarters of the population living in poverty and the median age under 20, frustrations over water and electricity shortages have sparked a movement primarily led by the nation’s youth.
In the last few weeks, that situation has changed dramatically as news pours in of a failed coup by student-led factions. According to the Miami Herald, members of an elite police unit have been actively backing this effort. This situation casts some doubt on the longevity of Rajoelina’s government. The president’s office has characterized these actions as “an attempted illegal and forcible seizure of power,” emphasizing their commitment to maintaining control.
Roots of the Protests
The protests sweeping across Madagascar’s capital have been driven by deep-seated, everyday grassroots frustrations. Citizens voiced out their frustration towards pressing concerns like soaring food prices and lack of access to essential services like water and electricity. The average annual income for the country has not risen above $600 a year, deepening anger within the public.
Inspired by movements in Kenya and Nepal, the protests have mobilized the younger generation, particularly students who are increasingly vocal about their discontent. Their demands go beyond addressing immediate shortages of utility and rather address larger issues of governance and accountability.
From church leaders to opposition politicians to military representatives, they are all participating in these peaceful protests alongside the citizens, presenting a truly united front against the government’s failures. Former President Marc Ravalomanana is one of these luminaries. He’s been deeply engaged in the dialogue to address these urgent issues.
Government Response and Military Involvement
Facing these growing political and social pressures, President Rajoelina’s government has attempted to project strength. The appointment of General Demosthene Pikulas as army chief is a decisive strategic shift. This decision is a bid to reinforce military assistance in light of the increasing aggressions. The government’s narrative suggests that Rajoelina and Prime Minister Christian Ntsay are “fully in control of the nation’s affairs,” despite the growing unrest.
Now, the National Gendarmerie’s Intervention Forces have intervened. Instead, they called for the protection of citizens by issuing a warning. They declared, “All use of force and any improper behaviour towards our fellow citizens are prohibited, as the gendarmerie is a force meant to protect people and not to defend the interests of a few individuals.”
The political tapestry of Madagascar is indeed rich and varied. Calls for negotiation and discussion are painfully at odds with government actions widely seen as authoritarian.
The Way Forward
As protests escalate and international pressure mounts, the future of Madagascar hangs in the balance. The government’s insistence on negotiations as the way out of this crisis indicates an understanding that a compromise will be necessary. It’s yet to be determined if these discussions can truly tackle the systemic issues that are hurting our country.
These youth-led movements are focusing their action past the here and now. They are indeed aiming for actual systemic change. With poverty affecting a significant portion of the population and essential services falling short, the call for reform resonates beyond just the current protests.
