Photos: Madagascar Soldiers Join Protesters as Thousands Gather in Country’s Capital!

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:

  1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/photos-madagascar-soldiers-join-protesters-as-thousands-gather-in-antananarivo/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  2. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/madagascar-protesters-enter-symbolic-may-13-square-under-military-escort-2025-10-11/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  3. The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/11/soldiers-from-elite-capsat-unit-join-protests-against-madagascars-president?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  4. AP News: apnews.com/article/541a453cbc133aaa6331f18e91efc8cc?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  5. AP News: apnews.com/article/e39ef11bd1f4a92f1f4b353900348219?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author


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David Joshua Oliver

Oliver David Joshua is a seasoned media professional with a passion for impactful journalism and strategic leadership. As the Managing Director and Editor-In-Chief of Sele Media Africa, he oversees the organization's editorial vision, ensuring high standards of truth, balance, and bold reporting. Known for his sharp editorial eye and commitment to excellence, Oliver plays a key role in shaping the voice of Sele Media Africa across the continent. His leadership continues to drive innovation, credibility, and growth in Africa’s digital media space.

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