
Photos: Madagascar Soldiers Join Protesters as Thousands Gather in Country’s Capital
Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa
Antananarivo, Madagascar — In a striking turn of events, military personnel joined thousands of anti-government demonstrators in Madagascar’s capital on Saturday, urging security forces to “refuse orders to shoot” and bolstering the protesters’ confidence. [1]
Key Developments
• Some soldiers from the CAPSAT unit broke ranks, joining the demonstrations and even escorting protesters into the symbolic May 13 Square. [2]
• In a video circulated online, the military contingent called on all units—military, gendarmerie, and police—to unite with citizens and refuse to harm their “brothers, sisters, friends.” [3]
• The protests, which began on September 25 over recurring water and electricity outages, have grown into broader demands for political reform and the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. [2]
• In response, Prime Minister Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo has called for calm, saying the government is ready to engage in dialogue with youth groups, unions, and the military.
• The newly appointed Defense Minister echoed the call for restraint and positioned the army as a mediator rather than an aggressor. [3]
Context & Impact
• This marks one of the most dramatic escalations in Madagascar’s protest movement. The involvement of soldiers underscores deep divisions within the security forces and signals growing public pressure. [3]
• Across the city, clashes have erupted between protesters and security forces. Tear gas, stun grenades, and crowd control tactics have been used to disperse demonstrators. [4]
• The protests are heavily youth-led, inspired in part by Gen Z movements in Kenya and Nepal. They now demand not only service improvements, but systemic political change. [5]
Sele Media Africa will continue to monitor this developing story closely.
Citations:
- Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/photos-madagascar-soldiers-join-protesters-as-thousands-gather-in-antananarivo/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/madagascar-protesters-enter-symbolic-may-13-square-under-military-escort-2025-10-11/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/11/soldiers-from-elite-capsat-unit-join-protests-against-madagascars-president?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- AP News: apnews.com/article/541a453cbc133aaa6331f18e91efc8cc?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- AP News: apnews.com/article/e39ef11bd1f4a92f1f4b353900348219?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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