Madagascar Soldiers Urged to Defy Orders to Fire on Protesters
Malagasy Soldiers Join Massive Protests in Antananarivo
Military Alignment Shifts Amid Escalating Unrest in Madagascar
The political climate in Madagascar has taken a dramatic turn as soldiers joined the masses protesting in the capital city of Antananarivo. The protests, initially sparked by issues like water and electricity shortages, have evolved since September 25th into a broader demand for governmental change, with President Andry Rajoelina facing increasing pressure.
Security Forces Restrain as Soldiers Support Protesters
On Saturday, police forces used tear gas and stun grenades to control the crowds. However, the situation altered significantly when military units entered the city and sided with the demonstrators. Soldiers in military vehicles, displaying Malagasy flags, were greeted with cheers and gratitude from the populace, as observed by Emegypt. Their presence led to the police retreating and allowed the protesters to gather at the symbolic May 13th Square.
Call for Noncompliance and Escalation of Military Involvement
Colonel Michael Randrianirina of the CAPSAT unit revealed that police shot at soldiers, resulting in one soldier’s death and a journalist being injured. The military unit has urged troops to disobey orders to fire on civilians, advocating for a unified stance among the military, gendarmerie, and police. “Refuse to take payment for attacking our own people,” they stated in a widely circulated video.
Voices of Allegiance and Public Sentiment
The protests have highlighted persistent issues of unemployment, corruption, and misuse of resources. Demonstrators like Lucie, a 24-year-old protestor, express a mixture of vulnerability and pride in the face of police violence. With stones as their only defense against police tear gas, the military’s support has invigorated civilian resolve.
Government’s Stance Amid International Scrutiny
Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo, the new Minister of Armed Forces, has called for calm and dialogue. Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged Malagasy authorities to avoid unnecessary force as videos depicting police brutality have circulated widely online.
Political Ramifications and Historical Context
With a reported 22 deaths and over a hundred injuries since the protests began, President Rajoelina disputes these figures, labeling the deceased as “rioters.” Despite initially dismissing his government as a conciliatory gesture, Rajoelina has since appointed military affiliates to key positions, indicating a firmer stance amid ongoing unrest.
This period marks yet another chapter in Madagascar’s history of political instability, challenging Rajoelina — whose tenure, culminating in disputed elections, has been a lightning rod for dissent in one of the world’s poorest nations.
