Madagascar Faces Growing Unrest as Soldiers Join Youth-Led Protests

Madagascar’s political crisis deepened on Saturday as Prime Minister Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo called for calm and national unity after some soldiers joined youth protesters in Antananarivo. The demonstrations, which began on September 25 over severe water and electricity shortages, have evolved into a powerful anti-government movement challenging President Andry Rajoelina’s authority.

The protests, inspired by youth-led movements in Kenya and Nepal, reached a turning point when members of the elite CAPSAT unit — the same military group that aided Rajoelina’s 2009 coup — marched with demonstrators into May 13 Square for the first time since the unrest began. The square, a symbol of Madagascar’s past uprisings, had been heavily restricted by authorities. Videos circulating on social media showed soldiers urging others to “support the people,” signaling growing dissent within the armed forces.

In a televised address on state-run TVM, Prime Minister Zafisambo said the government was “ready to listen and engage in dialogue with all factions — youth, unions, or the military.” Rajoelina recently dissolved his cabinet and appointed a new government in a bid to quell the unrest, but public anger remains high.

Army Chief of Staff General Jocelyn Rakotoson later appealed for calm, urging citizens to cooperate with security forces “to restore order through dialogue.” Meanwhile, the presidency denied rumors circulating online that Rajoelina had fled the country, insisting he remained “in Madagascar, overseeing national affairs.”

According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have died and 100 have been injured since protests began. The government disputes these figures, with Rajoelina claiming only 12 deaths. As the crisis intensifies, protesters continue to demand the president’s resignation, an apology to the nation, and the dissolution of the Senate and electoral commission.