Jakarta (ANTARA) – Large demonstrations have occurred across Madagascar since September 25, 2025, centered in the capital Antananarivo. The demonstration, led by younger generations, particularly Gen Z, was initially a protest against water and electricity shortages, poverty and alleged corruption.
Subsequently, the demands of the demonstration changed: Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina resigned from his position. At least 22 people were reportedly killed during the wave of demonstrations that lasted more than two weeks.
The resulting unrest led to a change of government, when Rajoelina responded to the demonstrations by deciding to dissolve the cabinet and fire Prime Minister Christian Ntsay on 29 September. He then appointed General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new prime minister.
Read also: Madagascar MP calls on military to lead country and hold elections
The demonstrations reached a crucial point when the elite military unit Corps d’administration des Persons et des Services Amministratives et Techniques (CAPSAT) joined the protesters in refusing the order to shoot and calling for the resignation of the president and other ministers, as reported by France24.
Rajoelina allegedly fled to France on a French military helicopter after reaching an agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron, French radio RFI reported on Monday (10/13). However, he refused to resign.
Rajoelina’s flight abroad was considered a “desertion from service”, so much so that the National Assembly used it as an accusation to impeach Rajoelina as president of Madagascar.
On Tuesday, the head of the CAPSAT military unit, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, said he had assumed leadership of the government. He added that Madagascar’s army had dissolved all institutions except the lower house of Parliament (National Assembly) and formed a transitional government with a maximum duration of two years until new elections were held.
According to a World Bank report, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world with 75% of its 30 million inhabitants living below the poverty line, as reported by the BBC.
Read also: Madagascar president accuses of coup attempt amid large protests
Read also: Madagascar is in turmoil, President Rajoelina would have fled to France
Reporter: Melusa Susthira Khalida
Publisher: Suryanto
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