In Madagascar, some groups of soldiers have defied orders and joined thousands of anti-government protesters assembled in the capital, Antananarivo, against President Andry Rajoelina’s rule. Soldiers joined in after police used stun grenades and tear gas on demonstrators. The Gen Z protesters entered the capital’s May 13 Square yesterday for the first time in one of the biggest gatherings, which was sparked by anger over power and water shortages and evolved into a broader anti-government campaign.
The Malagasy army remains a mediator and constitutes the nation’s last line of defence. The United Nations said at least 22 people have been killed and 100 injured in the protests. Madagascar has undergone frequent popular uprisings since gaining independence from France in 1960, including mass protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana from power as the military installed Rajoelina for his first term. He won re-election in 2018 and again in 2023.
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