After Nepal, now the fierce performance of Gen-Z is also being seen in Madagascar, an island country located on the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. According to the Associated Press, a special military unit took up positions against the government. This rebellion is being considered a possible coup, after which Madagascar’s President Andrey Rajoelina has fled the country. This development comes after three weeks of protests by the youth movement (Gen Z Madagascar).
Madagascar’s median age is under 20 and three-quarters of its population of about 30 million live below the poverty line. According to the World Bank, the country’s GDP per capita has declined by 45 percent from independence (1960) to 2020.
The president’s office had announced an address to the nation on Monday evening, but it was postponed after soldiers attacked the state broadcaster. Opposition leader Siteni Randriana Soloniako said that according to information, Rajoelina fled the country on Sunday via a French military plane. However, the current status of the President has not been confirmed by his office.
Army took control
CAPSAT, the special military unit that helped bring Rajoelina to power in 2009, has claimed to have taken control of all the armed forces. CAPSAT commander Colonel Michael Randrianirina said that one soldier died during the clashes, but denied that there was a coup. He said, “The army responded to the voice of the public.”
Performance and role of youth
The protests began on September 25 over water and electricity shortages and the movement was named ‘Gen Z Madagascar’ by Gen Z youth. Gradually this movement turned into a nationwide demonstration against corruption and inequality. According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed so far, although the government rejects this figure.
Madagascar’s former colonial country France did not comment on the report of the president’s expulsion. The US Embassy has advised its citizens to stay at home amid the unstable situation. The African Union has called on the military and civilians to maintain peace and avoid any kind of violence.
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