Madagascar demonstrating youth reject president’s invitation
Madagascar’s youth protesters rejected an invitation to join President Andry Rajoelina’s planned “national dialogue,” accusing his government of repression amid ongoing demonstrations. Inspired by “Gen Z” movements in Kenya and Nepal, the protests that began on September 25 have become the biggest challenge to Rajoelina’s administration since his re-election in 2023. Demonstrators voice discontent over poverty and corruption, demands that have expanded to calls for the president to step down, apologize and dissolve the senate and election commission.
Last week, Rajoelina dismissed his cabinet, appointed a new prime minister and announced talks with spiritual leaders, students and youth representatives scheduled for Wednesday. However, protesters, via their Facebook page dismissed the talks as a “mockery” and refused to engage with a regime they accuse of repression, assault and humiliation of youth.
University students are expected to stage further protests following a 48-hour ultimatum for Rajoelina to meet their demands or face a national strike. The unrest has left at least 22 people dead and 100 injured though the government has disputed these figures.
In response, Rajoelina appointed new ministers for defense and public security, urging authorities to prevent further unrest. Madagascar’s protests occur during a fragile period for its export-dependent economy which relies heavily on vanilla, nickel, cobalt, textiles and shrimp exports. The country’s per capita GDP has declined by 45% since 1960 according to the World Bank.
