By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Madagascar’s president has declared an attempt to seize power by force as an elite military unit, Capsat, announced it was taking over the army. This follows weeks of youth-led protests against water and electricity shortages, which evolved into calls for the president’s resignation. Capsat, which previously helped bring Rajoelina to power, stated they would not fire on protesters and called for military support. The protests, led by the Gen Z Madagascar movement, and the country’s high levels of corruption and poverty have fueled the unrest.
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Madagascar’s president says illegal power grab by military is under way. This feels like a headline ripped straight from a particularly dramatic chapter of a history book, doesn’t it? The irony, of course, isn’t lost on anyone. A president who himself rose to power through a coup is now decrying another potential power grab? It’s a situation that seems to be brimming with political intrigue, possible unrest, and a certain amount of… well, let’s call it historical déjà vu.
This whole situation is made more complex by the President’s history. He has been a prominent figure in Madagascan politics for a significant amount of time, spanning 12 of the last 16 years. His initial ascent to power, in 2009, involved a coup. This move resulted in international isolation and compounded the already dire economic conditions of one of the world’s poorest countries. The article notes the impact of his past actions in the worsening economic state of the country. It’s a pretty bleak picture, painting a landscape of poverty and struggling infrastructure.
Since returning to power in 2018, there’s been no significant change in that bleak economic landscape. Rather than focus on improvements for the lives of his people, through investment in crucial infrastructure like power, water, and education, he’s been focusing on “vanity projects.” A new mall, a cable car system that apparently serves little practical purpose, and luxury apartments that sit empty—these initiatives have drawn criticism and raise serious questions about priorities and resource allocation. It seems that the current unrest, then, isn’t just about the potential for a coup, but also about the existing reality of mismanagement and economic hardship.
The recent dismissal of the Prime Minister, while initially intended to calm the brewing tensions, hasn’t managed to solve the problem. It’s clear that the underlying issues are still smoldering. The president’s past, having come to power through a coup himself, makes his condemnation of potential coups seem, let’s say, complicated. The fact that he’s been in and out of power underscores the volatility of the situation. There’s a sense of “coup fatigue” that seems to be setting in with the public.
The political situation includes the President’s political party, which translates to “We Are All Together with Andry Rajoelina,” and his campaign slogan “Must Develop”. With the public’s dissatisfaction with the nation’s infrastructure, this political rhetoric feels hollow. The blackouts in the capital and the stalled delivery of new power generation equipment highlight this gap between promises and reality. The highway that cannot handle a large truck going to the capital adds another layer to the situation.
The military’s involvement also adds a level of complexity to this whole situation. The report of a soldier killed by the gendarmerie, a police force under the command of the defense ministry, is a grim reminder of the human cost. The defection of a unit that once supported the president during his original coup adds a layer of uncertainty to the mix.
The protests, fueled by corruption allegations and the government’s shortcomings, have already claimed lives. Students and infants, exposed to tear gas, are among the victims. The increasing boldness of the protesters, coupled with union support for a general strike, signals the growing intensity of the situation. The protesters’ demands and the growing social support are further complicating the political dynamic.
The situation involves the details of the alleged coup, the flight of key figures, and the uncertain future of Madagascar. This includes the recent flight of a few key figures. The electricity supply has been quite good for the last couple of weeks which might indicate a fuel supply issue. The customs systems in place, along with the high tariffs on solar panels and batteries, might have made it difficult for people to move their electric demand off the grid. The flight of key figures to Mauritius has caused an international incident.
This is more than just a power struggle; it is a symptom of deeper issues – corruption, economic inequality, and a struggling infrastructure. The people of Madagascar deserve better.