Protests Rock Madagascar: Soldiers Side with People, Demand Change
Madagascar's President Andry Nirina Rajoelina
By SyndicatedNews, SNN.BZ
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Big protests are happening in Madagascar’s capital city, Antananarivo. Thousands of people, mostly young folks, are marching in the streets. They’re upset and want the president, Andry Rajoelina, to step down. Things got even bigger when soldiers said they won’t follow orders to hurt the protesters. This is a huge deal, and the world is watching.
Why Are People Protesting?
Life in Madagascar has been tough for a lot of people. Prices for things like food and gas keep going up, and many can’t afford them. Jobs are hard to find, especially for young people. On top of that, many believe the 2023 election wasn’t fair and that President Rajoelina cheated to stay in power. People are also mad about corruption and think the government isn’t doing enough to help them.
These problems pushed people to take to the streets. The protests started small but grew fast, especially after gas prices jumped again recently. Young people, often called Gen Z, are leading the way, chanting for change and blocking roads to get attention.
Soldiers Refuse to Fight Protesters
Something surprising happened during the protests. Soldiers, who were sent to control the crowds, said they wouldn’t shoot at the protesters. In a video that’s gone viral, one soldier said, “These are our friends, our brothers, and sisters.” This was a big moment because it shows the army is siding with the people, not the government. Some soldiers even asked the police to stop using force, too.
So far, no one has been killed, but a few protesters have been hurt in clashes. The protests are still going strong, and the city is almost shut down because of roadblocks.
What Do the Protesters Want?
The people marching have clear demands:
- They want President Rajoelina to quit right now.
- They want new, fair elections.
- They want the government to stop corruption and fix the economy.
- Some are also upset about foreign countries, like France, having too much influence in Madagascar.
Why This Matters
Madagascar is a big island off the coast of Africa, and what’s happening there could affect other countries nearby. The protests are making it hard for businesses and trade to keep going, especially since Antananarivo is a key city. If things don’t calm down, it could lead to bigger problems, like a possible takeover by the military.
The United Nations and African Union are asking everyone to stay peaceful. The United States has issued a travel advisory for Madagascar, but President Trump has emphasized that America will not intervene in this unfolding military drama, as he believes the U.S. should not act as the world’s police force. On social media, especially on X, people around the world are talking about the protests using hashtags like #MadagascarProtests and #RajoelinaOut. Millions are sharing videos and cheering for the protesters.
What’s Next?
No one knows what will happen next. Will President Rajoelina listen to the protesters and step down? Will the protests stay peaceful, or will things get worse? For now, the people of Madagascar are standing together, and their soldiers are standing with them. The world is watching to see what happens in this fight for change.
Stay tuned to SNN.BZ for updates on this story.
