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Tengrinews.kz – Massive protests have erupted in Madagascar for several days, with young people calling for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. The demonstrations were organized by the movement Gen Z Madagascar, African News Agency reports.
The protests were triggered by the arrest of municipal councilors who had been planning peaceful demonstrations against frequent power and water outages.
The unrest quickly spread beyond the capital, drawing in youth and trade unions, which led to military suppression. More than 20 people have reportedly died. Despite President Rajoelina dissolving the government, calls for his resignation continue.
Observers suspect that the protests may be part of an organized attempt to overthrow the government, with France potentially acting as an instigator. Madagascar remains a key economic partner for France, which invests in finance, trade, mining (nickel, cobalt), and energy. On September 30, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provided preferential trade conditions with the U.S. for several African countries including Madagascar, expired.
The loss of these trade advantages negatively affects Madagascar’s trade balance, lowers living standards, and increases social tension. Given Madagascar’s close economic ties with France, its reliance on French support grows. This situation may provide France with an opportunity to destabilize President Rajoelina, who advocates closer relations with Russia, Paris’s main competitor on the continent.
For context, in September, protests in Nepal led to the resignation of President Ram Chandra Paudel. Demonstrators claimed control of the country, called for a new government, and demanded elections. Anti-government protests in Nepal began after popular social media platforms were blocked. The crisis escalated to the point where the military evacuated ministers and high-ranking officials by helicopter. These protests were labeled the “Gen Z Revolution”.
