The military has seized power in Madagascar. President Andry Rajoelina fled the nation, but troops and thousands of enraged youth want him out permanently. Colonel Michael Randrianirina announced to all on the radio today: “We have taken the power.” Rajoelina boarded a French military aircraft last Sunday and took flight. He’s in hiding in a secure location but still refuses to resign his presidency.
Angry Youth Pack the Streets
Things turned worse in Madagascar on September 25. Young people took to the streets to demonstrate they’d had enough. They’re angry at politicians embezzling funds, lazy government officials, and a government that is no longer functioning.
Thousands gathered at Antananarivo’s 13 May Square. They danced in circles, loudly sang songs, and waved signs labelling Rajoelina a French puppet. Many of them waved Madagascar’s flag. Some children held up banners with a skull emblem from their favourite Saturday morning cartoon show. Colonel Randrianirina climbed onto the stage and screamed, “Do you want the army to take over?” Everyone shouted “yes!”
Lawmakers Say President Must Go
Parliamentarians voted to remove Rajoelina from power. This occurred just before the army announced that they were seizing control. Rajoelina attempted to close down parliament during the day, but this did not succeed. The military says they’re removing all other government buildings other than parliament’s central section. The same military men who assisted Rajoelina take over the country back in 2009 have now abandoned him. Even police and other security agents stopped obeying the president. They went over to the side of the protesters instead.
Most People Here Are Poor and Young
About 30 million people live in Madagascar. Most folks are really young; they haven’t even hit 20 years old yet. Three out of every four people are poor and barely getting by. Things just continue to worsen. When Madagascar overthrew the French leaders in 1960, there was more money around. Now there is significantly less, nearly half what they once earned. These demonstrations indicate that people are tired of waiting for things to improve. France’s President Macron informed people to remain calm and stated soldiers should not use this chaos to seize power for themselves.
News At Glance
- Army leader claims military controls Madagascar today
- President Rajoelina flew out on a jet but refuses to resign
- Demonstrations began because the lights continued to go out, and the water ceased to run
- Parliament decided to remove the president
- Top officers, police, and guards all rallied to the protesters
- Thousands of youth are celebrating in the streets
- 75 of every 100 Malagasy people live in poverty
FAQs
- What prompted the army to seize control?
Young demonstrators won soldiers over after weeks of protesting for improved water, electricity, and truthful leaders.
- Where is the president hiding?
He took a French military flight out on Sunday, and he’s safe somewhere beyond Madagascar.
- Why did protesters begin marching?
No electricity and no water pushed people into a frenzy on September 25, and then everyone became angry about larger issues as well.
- Who’s behind the military coup?
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a top-notch commander of a special army unit named CAPSAT.
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