Madagascar president refuses to step down as antigov’t protests continue
Key Takeaways
- President Andry Rajoelina refuses to resign despite nationwide, youth-led protests over poor basic services.
- Protesters issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the president to meet their demands, threatening further action.
- Rajoelina claims the protests are being exploited by rivals attempting to stage a coup, without providing evidence.
- At least 22 people have been killed since the demonstrations began on September 25, with police using tear gas.
- Madagascar's Foreign Minister alleged a foreign-directed cyberattack and digital manipulation campaign is fueling the unrest.
Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina has publicly refused to resign despite sustained pressure from a youth-led protest movement demanding better basic services, framing the demonstrations as a politically motivated coup attempt by rivals. The movement, known as "Gen Z," escalated its demands by issuing a 24-hour ultimatum for the president to respond favorably to their calls for resignation. Since the protests began on September 25, at least 22 people have been killed, and police were seen firing tear gas to disperse marchers in the capital on Friday. Rajoelina stated he is ready to listen and find solutions, but simultaneously alleged that unnamed politicians planned to exploit the unrest to stage a coup while he was abroad. The government also suggested foreign involvement, with the Foreign Minister claiming a 'massive cyberattack' and 'targeted digital manipulation campaign' were launched from abroad to infiltrate the protests. Despite Rajoelina's previous ascent to power via a 2009 coup, he maintains his position as the country, rich in resources, struggles with widespread poverty.
