Thousands of youth-led protesters in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, were joined by groups of soldiers on Saturday in one of the largest anti-government demonstrations since the unrest began on September 25. The protesters, who had been barred from entering May 13 Square for weeks, finally gathered at the historic site as security forces struggled to contain the growing movement against President Andry Rajoelina’s rule.
The turning point came when members of the elite CAPSAT unit — a key player in Rajoelina’s 2009 rise to power — defied orders and expressed solidarity with the demonstrators. In a video message circulated on social media, soldiers called on their comrades to “refuse to be paid to shoot our friends, our brothers and our sisters,” urging a united front among the military, gendarmes, and police.
“Close the gates and await our instructions. Do not obey orders from your superiors. Point your weapons at those who order you to fire on your comrades in arms,” the soldiers said, urging others to block flights and disobey shoot-to-kill commands.
Local media footage showed soldiers escorting protesters into May 13 Square — a symbolic location in Madagascar’s history of political uprisings. The rally came after police had earlier fired stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The movement began over power and water shortages but has since evolved into a broader call for Rajoelina’s resignation. According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the protests started. The government disputes this figure, claiming only 12 deaths and labeling the victims “looters and vandals.”
In response to mounting pressure, Rajoelina initially dismissed his government, signaling compromise. However, he has since hardened his stance, appointing a military officer as prime minister and filling key cabinet posts with members of the armed forces and security services.
The newly appointed armed forces minister, General Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo, urged restraint, saying: “We call on our brothers who disagree with us to prioritise dialogue. The Malagasy army remains a mediator and constitutes the nation’s last line of defence.”
Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations, has a long history of political uprisings, including the 2009 mass movement that brought Rajoelina to power. He later won elections in 2018 and again in 2023, though the latter was marred by opposition boycotts and accusations of irregularities.
As soldiers increasingly break ranks and protesters intensify their calls for change, the country faces a volatile moment that could shape its political future.
