Following the events in Nepal, the island nation of Madagascar, located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, is witnessing a fervent Gen-Z uprising. According to the Associated Press, a special military unit has taken a stand against the government, which is being regarded as a potential coup. As a result, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has reportedly fled the country. This unfolds in the wake of the Gen Z Madagascar protests that have spanned three weeks demanding change.
With an average age under 20, about three-quarters of Madagascar's nearly 30 million population lives below the poverty line. Since gaining independence in 1960, the nation's GDP per capita has plummeted by 45 percent by 2020, as per the World Bank.
A planned presidential address on Monday evening was canceled due to an assault on the state broadcaster by soldiers. Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniako claimed Rajoelina left on a French military plane on Sunday, although his current whereabouts remain unverified by his office.
On
Monday evening
, the anticipated presidential address was postponed after the state broadcaster came under attack by military forces.
The Army Takes Control
The special military unit CAPSAT, which helped bring Rajoelina to power in 2009, asserts it has seized control over all armed forces. Commander Colonel Michael Randrianina stated that a soldier died during the conflict but denied launching a coup. “The military responded to the people's voice,” he said.
Protests and Youth Involvement
Beginning on September 25, protests initially addressed water and electricity shortages, gaining momentum as 'Gen Z Madagascar', a nationwide demonstration against corruption and inequality. The United Nations reports at least 22 casualties, though the government contests this figure.
France, Madagascar's former colonial power, has not commented on the president's departure reports, while the U.S. Embassy advises its citizens to remain indoors amid the unrest. The African Union urges both military and civilians to maintain peace and prevent any Violence.
