Madagascar soldiers join protests as coup fears rise

The protests, inspired by Gen Z-led movements in Kenya and Nepal, began over water and electricity shortages but have since escalated, with demonstrators calling for Rajoelina to step down, apologize for violence against protesters, and dissolve the Senate and electoral commission.

At least 22 people have been killed and 100 injured in the unrest since September, according to the United Nations. The Malagasy government has disputed the figures, with Rajoelina saying this month that 12 people were killed in the protests.

In a statement on the presidency’s official social media account, Rajoelina’s office said he firmly condemned attempts to destabilize the country and urged all forces “to stand together in defense of constitutional order and national sovereignty.” It encouraged dialog to resolve the crisis.

‘Support the people’

Videos on social media on Saturday showed CAPSAT soldiers urging fellow troops to “support the people.”

A video broadcast by local media showed that dozens of soldiers left the barracks later on Saturday to escort thousands of protesters into the May 13 Square in Antananarivo, the scene of many political uprisings, which had been heavily guarded and off limits during the unrest.

Since then, the prime minister and army’s chief of staff have urged citizens to take part in dialog and stay calm.

(Jerusalem Post)