President Departs Nation Following Collapse of Military Support
Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina departed the nation on Sunday after losing the support of his own military. He took a French military plane and left, but his whereabouts are not known. Leaders of the opposition in parliament verified the departure after reaching out to the presidential office. According to a military source, a French plane landed on Sunday, and a helicopter rapidly took someone to the plane; that individual was the president.
The crisis began on September 25 when citizens began protesting against electricity and water shortages. But the demonstrations soon took on much larger proportions. The citizens were frustrated with government corruption, bribery of officials, and not deliver basic services. The streets of the capital city, Antananarivo, were filled with tens of thousands of youth calling for the president to resign. The protests have been going on for weeks.
Presidential Guard Defects, Joins Protesters
The crisis deepened for President Rajoelina when CAPSAT, a powerful special army unit that supported him coming to power in 2009, defected. At the weekend, CAPSAT stated they would not fire on protesters. The unit subsequently marched with thousands of protesters in the central square. They stated they were taking over the army and appointed a new army chief.
On Sunday, the president alleged that there was a bid to take power by illegal means. But events had already gone out of his control. On Monday, the gendarmerie, a paramilitary police force, also defected to the protesters at a public ceremony attended by government ministers. Senate leadership also changed hands. The Senate president was ousted, and Jean André Ndremanjary became his temporary substitute.
Youth Claimed Government Let Them Down as Poverty Worsens’
Masses of people attended the capital square on Monday, demanding that the president step down immediately. Adrianarivony Fanomegantsoa, aged 22 and a hotel staff member, addressed the media representatives in his case. He is paid 300,000 Ariary each month, which is equivalent to about $67, just enough to get him food. He explained that within 16 years, the president and his colleagues became rich while normal individuals remained poor. The youth, specifically members of Generation Z, have been affected most.
The United Nations documents that a minimum of 22 individuals have passed away since the protests began. Madagascar is home to approximately 30 million people, with half of the nation being under the age of 20. Three out of four individuals are living in poverty. The nation has economically struggled since it gained independence from France in 1960. Per capita income fell 45% from 1960 to 2020. Madagascar produces the most vanilla in the world and also ships nickel, cobalt, apparel, and shrimp.
News At Glance
- President Andry Rajoelina flew out of Madagascar on Sunday aboard a French military plane
- Young demonstrators have packed the streets since September 25, calling for his resignation
- Demonstrations started over power and water shortages, but grew to protest wider issues
- CAPSAT, the presidential elite guard who aided his ascendancy to power in 2009, defected against him
- Military police marched with protesters on Monday in a public parade
- At least 22 have died since the protest started, according to UN statistics
FAQs
- Why did the president of Madagascar resign?
His armed forces pulled their support and sided with young demonstrators calling for him to resign.
- For how long have the protests continued?
Protests began on September 25 and have been ongoing for several weeks.
- Why did the protests begin?
They started over shortages of electricity and water, but soon escalated into wider outrage at corruption and poverty.
- How many deaths have occurred?
The United Nations says at least 22 people have died since the protests started.
- Where is the current president?
His whereabouts are not known. He departed on a French warplane on Sunday.
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