Information
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country amid a wave of mass protests and military defections, marking the second government toppled by youth-led movements in recent weeks. Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko confirmed that Rajoelina left on Sunday, reportedly aboard a French military aircraft following an alleged deal with President Emmanuel Macron. His departure came as the military’s elite CAPSAT unit and parts of the gendarmerie joined demonstrators instead of suppressing them. The protests, which began on September 25 over chronic water and power shortages, quickly evolved into a broader uprising against corruption, poor governance, and economic hardship in the former French colony.
Rajoelina’s isolation deepened as both the army and gendarmerie turned against him, effectively ending his control over the government. The Senate president, also targeted by public anger, was removed from his position, with Jean André Ndremanjary appointed temporarily in line with constitutional succession. Tens of thousands of protesters continued to demand the president’s resignation in the capital, Antananarivo, chanting that “the president must quit now.” The unrest, which has left at least 22 people dead, reflects the growing discontent of Madagascar’s predominantly young population, who face deep poverty and limited opportunities.
Source: CNN, Reuters
So What
While this is a significant turn of events, it also has broader implications, being the second Gen Z protest to successfully overthrow a government and at least the fifth to occur under the banner. It is highly likely that this rapid series of events will be closely watched by other African leaders, who may fear it could trigger similar protests in their own countries. What it clearly demonstrates is that the upcoming youth of nations are not willing to simply stand by and watch corrupt regimes.
If you want to learn more about what happened in Madagascar, check out our video on YouTube!
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