Madagascar soldiers back Gen Z protesters as unrest deepens over power, water crises

Some soldiers in Madagascar have joined youth-led protesters demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina, marking a dramatic turn in the nationwide demonstrations that began over chronic power and water shortages.

For the first time since the unrest started on September 25, thousands of protesters entered Antananarivo’s heavily guarded May 13 Square on Saturday, escorted by military personnel. The square, a historic symbol of political uprisings, had been closed off by security forces since demonstrations began.

The protests, inspired by similar Gen Z movements in Kenya and Nepal, have evolved into a broader challenge to Rajoelina’s leadership.

Local media reported that members of the elite CAPSAT army unit—once instrumental in Rajoelina’s 2009 rise to power—publicly urged fellow troops to disobey orders and support the protesters. Videos circulating online showed soldiers declaring, “Support the people,” as they marched alongside demonstrators.

In response, the army’s chief of staff, General Jocelyn Rakotoson, appealed for calm, urging citizens to “restore order through dialogue” and calling on church leaders to mediate the crisis.

Protesters are demanding Rajoelina’s resignation, a national apology, and the dissolution of both the senate and the electoral commission.

The unrest has already claimed at least 22 lives and left about 100 injured, according to United Nations figures. However, the Malagasy government disputes the toll, with President Rajoelina stating that 12 people were killed.

Last week, Rajoelina dismissed his cabinet and appointed a new prime minister in an attempt to ease growing public anger, but demonstrations have continued to intensify.