ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (Reuters) — Madagascar’s Prime Minister made a public appeal for calm and unity on Saturday after a dramatic turn of events in the capital, where a group of soldiers marched alongside young protesters into May 13 Square — a location they hadn’t managed to access since demonstrations broke out nearly a month ago.
The protests, which started on September 25, were initially fueled by frustration over persistent water and electricity shortages. But over the past weeks, the unrest has grown in scale and urgency, evolving into a broader movement against perceived government mismanagement. Inspired by youth-led uprisings in Kenya and Nepal, Madagascar’s Gen Z activists have become the driving force behind the push for change.
Saturday’s development marks a significant escalation, as elements of the military appeared to side, at least symbolically, with the demonstrators. This movement now represents the most serious political test for President Andry Rajoelina since he came to power.