Madagascar Military Urges Soldiers to Stand Down and Avoid Shooting Protesters
Militants Call for Unity Amidst Rising Tensions in Madagascar
Military Contingent in Antananarivo Advocates for Disobedience
A significant military contingent near Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, has released a video on October 11, calling for disobedience among military and security forces. Urging soldiers and the police to “unite their forces” and “refuse orders to shoot” at protestors, the contingent has made an unprecedented appeal for unity.
Support Swells Against Government Crackdown
The military unit, known as the Corps d’Année des Personnels et des Services Administratifs et Techniques (Capsat), has encouraged police and gendarmes to join their cause. They have specifically asked military personnel stationed at presidential palaces to abandon their posts and take steps to block the airport. The video has struck a chord, especially as thousands of protestors demonstrated against the government in Antananarivo, marking the largest protest in recent days.
Escalating Protests Lead to Military Support
In recent demonstrations, the authorities have resorted to using tear gas and stun grenades. The protests, which began on September 25, have spread to several cities across the nation. Emegypt reports that armed military vehicles have joined protestors in the vicinity of Lake Anosy in the southern part of the capital. Protestors welcomed the military presence, with many waving Malagasy flags and shouting “Thank you” to the troops.
Historical Context: A Base Known for Rebellion
The strategic Soanierana district military base, located on the outskirts of Antananarivo, has been a focal point of rebellion before. It played a critical role in the 2009 uprising that brought current President Andry Rajoelina to power. “Let’s unite our forces: soldiers, gendarmes, and police officers, and refuse to be paid to shoot at our friends, our brothers, and our sisters,” declared the soldiers from this base.
Official Responses from Leadership
The precise number of military personnel who have responded to this call to action remains unknown. Meanwhile, Madagascar’s newly appointed defense minister, General Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo, has urged calm among troops and emphasized the importance of dialogue. “The Malagasy army remains a mediator and the ultimate line of defense for the nation,” he stated during a Saturday press conference.
UN Calls for Restraint Amidst Clashes
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged Malagasy authorities to desist from using unnecessary force following recent demonstrations that resulted in numerous injuries. At least 22 people have died since the protests began, and over a hundred have been injured, according to a September 29 report from the UN.
Shifts in Political Strategy
Protests instigated by water and electricity outages have transformed into broader critiques of President Andry Rajoelina, who is 51. The president dismissed the reported casualty figures as exaggerated, claiming only 12 “looters and vandals” had died. Recently, in a strategic shift, the president appointed a military officer as the new prime minister, along with three new ministers for the army, public security, and gendarmerie, amidst heightened security measures.
