Youth-led protests demanding better education and healthcare in Morocco escalated into violent clashes with security forces on Sept. 30, the fourth consecutive day of angry demonstrations across several cities. The protests were organized online by a loose network calling itself “GenZ 212,” after Morocco’s country code. In the southern cities of Tiznit, Inzegane and Ait Amira, as well as the eastern city of Oujda and Temara near the capital Rabat, hundreds of protesters hurled stones at security forces attempting to disperse the gatherings. On Oct. 2, at least two protesters were killed when police opened fire in Lqliaa, near the coastal city of Agadir. Authorities said the troops fired to prevent protesters from storming a police station. (Reuters, BBC News, NYT, PRI)
Also Sept. 30, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina announced the dissolution of the government led by Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, in response to widespread youth-led protests over power and water shortages.
The UN criticized Malagasy authorities’ response to the demonstrations, reporting that at least 22 people have been killed and hundreds injured. The victims included protesters and bystanders killed by the security forces, as well as some killed in violence by gangs exploiting the chaos. The Madagascar demonstrations were also organized under the banner of “Gen Z.”
This is not the first time that President Rajoelina has experienced popular unrest; as the incumbent candidate in October 2023, he was injured during protests over the presidential election. Nevertheless, these recent demonstrations have been described as the most serious challenge he has experienced since his re-election in the 2023 polls. (Jurist, PRI)
Note: Spikes in the price of food and fuel since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022 have contributed to popular privation and unrest worldwide.
Photo via Mika R/Twitter. Madagascar protesters use appropriated image from One Piece manga series.
Madagascar president flees country amid ‘coup’ warning
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina on Oct. 12 declared that an attempted coup was underway, according to a statement released by the presidential office. Rajoelina remains in an undisclosed location as unconfirmed reports from opposition officials and military sources indicate that he fled the country on a French military aircraft.
National tensions escalated the previous day after troops from Technical Personnel Administrative Crops (CAPSAT), the same unit that helped Rajoelina seize power in a 2009 coup, urged fellow soldiers to disobey orders and support youth-led protests that began on Sept. 25. (Jurist)
Madagascar military unit seizes power
A faction of Madagascar’s military announced Oct. 13 that it has seized government power following reports of President Andry Rajoelina’s evacuation from the country. The apparent coup follows weeks of Gen Z protests against high unemployment, the rising cost of living, and government corruption.
On national radio, Col. Michael Randrianirina annouced, “We have taken the power.” He voiced a plan to dissolve all government institutions except the National Assembly—the country’s lower house of parliament.
The “CAPSAT” unit’s government take-over came hours after Rajoelina announced the he sought to dissolve the National Assembly. Political opponents saw the decree as an unconstitutional attempt to block impeachment proceedings for Rajoelina’s alleged “abandonment of post.” Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, opposition leader in parliament, stated that the action was “not legally valid… [T]he President of the National Assembly says he was not consulted.”
On Oct. 12, Rajoelina spoke on a live broadcast, saying he was sheltering in a “safe place” following an alleged attempt on his life. He did not confirm or deny media reports that he had fled the nation via French military aircraft. Rajoelina accused a group of military personnel and politicians of planning to assassinate him in an attempt to seize power.
The widespread protests gained significant momentum Oct. 11 when the CAPSAT unit publicly supported thousands of demonstrators demanding Rajoelina’s resignation. A senior army general stated that security forces were collaborating to maintain order amidst the unrest.
The coup leaves Madagascar’s constitutional future uncertain. The country now faces a standoff between the military, political opposition leaders, and remnants of Rajoelina’s government.
Rajoelina became president in 2009, in what the international community has condemned as a coup d’état. At the time he was mayor of capital city Antananarivo, and led a popular opposition movement against then-president Marc Ravalomanana, accusing him of corruption. Ravalomanana was forced to hand power to the military, which transferred leadership to Rajoelina, who headed a “High Transitional Authority” until 2014. Rajoelina won the 2018 presidential election and was re-elected in 2023 in a vote marred by boycotts and allegations of unfair practices. (Jurist)
Madagascar coup consolidated
The coup in Madagascar appears to have been accepted within the security forces, withmoves made to heal frictions between the military and gendarmerie. Col. Michael Randrianirina, CAPSAT’s leader, sworn in Oct. 17, has announced plans to create a transitional government and rule until elections in two years. It’s unclear if Gen Z representatives will be included in the new administration. The High Constitutional Court affirmed Randrianirina’s leadership, but also ruled elections must be held within 60 days. The coup has been condemned by the Africa Union and regional body SADC, which suspended Madagascar. However, the AU is looking for a diplomatic solution and is dusting off its 2011 roadmap for peace, which ended the political crisis following the 2009 coup. The new government looks keen to avoid any putsch-related international sanctions. (TNH)
Protests continue in Madagascar
Protests in Madagascar have continued, as the Gen Z movement voices disapproval of Michael Randrianirina naming of businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as prime minister. The youth group claimed the appointment process lacked transparency and was conducted “without consultation.” (Jurist)
Madagascar: ‘Our revolution will not be hijacked’
Madagascar’s Gen Z movement has put the new military-led government on notice. “Our revolution will not be hijacked,” the activists warned in a Facebook post. “The Malagasy youth are watching and mobilizing.” An early disappointment has been the appointment this week of businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as prime minister by the interim president, Col. Michael Randrianirina. Rajaonarivelo is said to have links with the previous government, overthrown by a popular coup on Oct. 17 after weeks of street protests. Gen Z Mada said the decision ran “contrary to the desired structural change” and was made “without consultation.” Randrianirina has a difficult balancing act. He needs to satisfy the aspirations of Malagasy for political and economic reform, while dealing with a cautious international community. The African Union has already sanctioned the new regime. (TNH)