URGENT UPDATE: A military contingent has joined thousands of anti-government protesters in Antananarivo, Madagascar, as tensions escalate over ongoing youth-led demonstrations. Just hours ago, on Saturday, September 30, 2023, protesters rallied against police actions that have resulted in violence and disruption over the last two weeks.
The protesters are demanding that security forces “refuse orders to shoot,” highlighting rising fears of further violence. During the demonstration, police deployed stun grenades and tear gas, but the atmosphere shifted dramatically when soldiers from the CAPSAT unit arrived, welcomed by cheers from the crowd. The soldiers urged their fellow military and security personnel to “join forces” with the protesters and reject orders to harm civilians.
In a video statement, Prime Minister Ruphin Fortunat Dimbisoa Zafisambo asserted that the government is “standing strong” and ready to collaborate with all factions, including the military and youth groups. However, he warned that “Madagascar will not be able to withstand any further crises if this division among the people continues.”
Local media report that at least two people have died and 26 others were injured during the clashes, with gunfire still being heard in the city as night fell. The protests began on September 25 in response to severe power and water shortages, leading to widespread discontent against President Andry Rajoelina.
As the situation intensified, CAPSAT Colonel Michael Randrianirina confirmed to AFP that police fired upon soldiers during their arrival, resulting in casualties. “They must leave power,” he stated, urging the current leadership to take responsibility for the violence.
The demonstrators have laid out specific demands, including the resignation of Rajoelina and the initiation of a “democratic national dialogue.” A 24-year-old protester named Lucie expressed the profound frustration of the youth, stating, “Life in Madagascar was ‘hell’.” She added, “We don’t have any weapons. We try to protect ourselves with stones from the tear gas they throw at us.”
Despite previous government attempts to quell the unrest by appointing an army general as prime minister, protests have continued to erupt daily. The United Nations has reported at least 22 deaths in the initial days of the protests, while Rajoelina has disputed these figures, stating there were “12 confirmed deaths” among alleged looters.
As the situation remains fluid, eyes are on Antananarivo, where the potential for further demonstrations looms. The international community is closely monitoring developments, urging all parties to prioritize dialogue over violence.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
