In Madagascar, an attempted coup is unfolding as President Andriy Rajoelina faces significant youth-led protests demanding his resignation. The protests, organized by a group called “Gen Z Madagascar,” have emerged from public dissatisfaction over government failures, including power and water outages, as well as allegations of corruption and nepotism. Since their onset on September 25, the demonstrations have resulted in at least 22 deaths, a figure disputed by the government.
Rajoelina’s office condemned the attempt to seize power, urging citizens to unite in defense of constitutional order. Elite members of a military unit, CAPSAT, joined the protests, calling for the president’s resignation. This unrest follows a history of political instability in Madagascar, where Rajoelina himself came to power via a military-backed coup in 2009, and significant dissatisfaction remains despite efforts to placate protesters by dismissing the previous government. The Gen Z protesters maintain a strong online presence, drawing inspiration from global protests that have toppled governments.
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