The political crisis in Madagascar is a concern. As per the reports of the BBC and CNN, anti-government demonstrations led to clashes between law enforcers and demonstrators and the deaths of more than twenty people. The demonstration participated in by thousands of people took place in Antananarivo — the capital city — and several other cities. Though the demonstrations began after the arrests of two leading city political leaders who had planned to carry out a peaceful demonstration against the shortage in power and water supply, it has later turned into several other demands including the step down of President Andry Rajoelina. The government has also probably become strict later. But it remains unclear where the movement will go.
There are limited economic opportunities, many live in poverty (seventy-five percent) and only one-third have access to electricity in Madagascar, along with poor governance. There has also been anger among many against the government over such concerns in Madagascar, which has seen multiple uprisings since its independence in 1960, including mass protests in 2009 that forced former President Ravalomanana to step down. Though the latest movement, led by the youth through social media sites such as Facebok and TikTok and later supported by opposition leaders including Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko and former President Marc Ravalomanana and joined by several trade unions, including the Malagasy Trade Union Solidarity, and others, are directly related to the arrests of two city leaders, their anger played a vital role in the outburst and the movement. The demonstrators now call for the dissolution of the election commission and the country’s top court, along with the resignation of the president.
But, positively saying, President Andry Rajoelina — who came to power as the president of the High Transitional Authority after the ouster of the earlier government in 2009 for the first time and later elected as president in 2018 and 2023 — has sacked his government in response to the movement and wanted to talk to demonstrators, along with the deployment of security forces across Antananarivo and other major cities. Moreover, civil society organizations have called for church-led talks to mitigate the crisis and prevent chaos in Madagascar. But these have neither placated the demonstrators nor brought the situation under control. Contrarily, the government of Madagascar has now turned stricter and may take the path of forcibly controlling the movement.
Dhaka Opinion Magazine is a global/international opinion magazine. It publishes for you all. The magazine publishes with the aim to help address concerns, improve conditions, solve problems and mitigate conflicts all over the world. Your support is important for the esteemed magazine. You can sponsor the magazine and/or donate to it…
Several other reasons can also play a vital role in the coming days in Madagascar. The Gen-Z nature of the anti-government movement, which is youth-led and supported by different groups, and foreign involvement are notable. Youth are inspired not only by the importance of addressing their concerns but also by the success of youth-led movements in many other countries. Several countries have seen the overthrow of governments through youth-led movements in the last several years including Nepal. Moreover, there is foreign involvement and other reasons that can deteriorate the situation. Rajoelina has already alleged that the protesters had been exploited to provoke a coup against him and that foreign forces were financing the movement to do so.
It is consequently difficult to say that the situation will improve in the coming days. Rather, the opposite is more likely in Madagascar. Talks can help the parties, not only in making the situation calm but also in addressing the concerns that are reasonable. But further deterioration can lead to more deaths and repression, along with increasing the possibility of the ouster of the government. Given that the president is willing to talk, it will be easier to hold talks. But the internal mechanism of Madagascar can be more successful in holding talks — though the success of the talks remains uncertain.
But the government also needs to address poverty and other concerns, no matter whether the anti-government movement becomes successful or it ends soon through talks. The emphasis needs to be given to providing economic opportunities and increasing access to electricity. Addressing systemic corruption, one of the major problems, is also crucial in Madagascar. But a political commitment is vital for addressing these.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
