Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has announced, via an online speech, that he is currently in hiding due to credible threats against his life. This development comes after weeks of intense, often violent, protests sparked by allegations of government corruption and widespread dissatisfaction with his administration’s inability to enhance citizens’ quality of life.
Defying escalating demands for his resignation from both ordinary citizens and even elements within the nation’s security forces, Mr. Rajoelina staunchly declared his intention to remain in power, asserting he must protect the impoverished southern African island nation. His unwavering position risks further escalating tensions among the tens of thousands of protestors flooding streets across the country.
Earlier on Monday, when the 51-year-old President Rajoelina hinted at a national address that evening, throngs of people gathered in a celebratory mood in the capital, Antananarivo, hopeful for his resignation. Now, this mineral-rich nation of 32 million finds itself in a state of deepening uncertainty and turmoil.
Notably, military factions that have distanced themselves from the President have been cautious to avoid any overt seizure of power, likely to avert the international condemnation typically associated with a coup. Such isolation would be detrimental to Madagascar, a nation heavily dependent on foreign assistance.
The immediate next moves of these dissenting security forces remain unknown.
Rumors abound regarding Mr. Rajoelina’s current location, with many speculating he may have left Madagascar, though he has offered no clues. His position became critically precarious when a segment of the security forces, initially deployed to violently suppress the demonstrations, instead sided with the youthful protestors, refusing further orders from their command.
President Rajoelina’s televised address was reportedly delayed for several hours on Monday, following an attempt by dissident military personnel to seize control of the state television station designated to broadcast his message, as confirmed on the presidency’s Facebook page.
Throughout the day, May 13 Square, a central hub for protests located opposite City Hall, was teeming with thousands of people. The atmosphere was a mix of tension and everyday life, as vendors moved through the crowds, selling fruits, grilled meats, and ice cream.
Waving Malagasy flags and singing defiant chants, some of which included expletives demanding Mr. Rajoelina’s departure, the crowd filled the square. A prominent banner adjacent to the stage featured the anime skull and bones motif, a recognized symbol of youth-led protests globally.
A succession of speakers from student organizations, labor unions, and various activist groups invigorated the assembly. A poignant moment of silence fell over the crowd as the coffin of a protestor, tragically shot and killed on Saturday, was paraded through the square atop a van, prompting many to raise their hands in solemn respect.
“I’m happy and confident of a better future in Madagascar,” declared Fenosoa Hanitriniaina, a 29-year-old law student, her voice echoing the widespread belief that the president’s removal was imminent. She reiterated, “I’m happy and confident of a better future in Madagascar.”
Following the defection of some security forces on Sunday, Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, a former army general recently appointed prime minister by Mr. Rajoelina, indicated his intention to engage in discussions with them.
In a message to The New York Times, he stated, “I am a soldier first and foremost. The most important and urgent thing for me is to have frank discussions with my brothers in arms. We share a deep love for our country, and I remain confident in that common ground.”
The protests in Madagascar, now in their third week, initially ignited from public outrage over chronic failures in electricity and water supply. These demonstrations have since broadened, encompassing deeper frustrations concerning government corruption and the struggling national economy.
According to the World Bank, the vast majority of Madagascar’s population lives below the poverty line. The nation’s vital agricultural sector has been severely hampered in recent years by both extreme droughts and destructive flooding caused by cyclones.
A common sentiment among protestors is a profound loss of faith in Mr. Rajoelina’s capacity to address the nation’s severe challenges.
Currently serving his third term, Mr. Rajoelina first ascended to power through a coup in 2009. After losing the 2013 election, he reclaimed the presidency in 2018 and was re-elected in 2023, a victory his adversaries maintain was marred by significant rigging.
Ironically, despite his own history of seizing power, Mr. Rajoelina has issued warnings against further coups, stating recently that such actions would only exacerbate the country’s instability.
Earlier this month, he fired his entire cabinet, claiming the move was a direct response to the protests. However, this action only intensified the calls for his immediate resignation.
Throughout the period of unrest, Madagascar’s security forces employed tear gas and rubber bullets against demonstrators. The United Nations has reported approximately two dozen fatalities, a count the government has officially contested.