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2h ago

Madagascar Soldiers Join Protests as President Decries 'Illegal Power Grab'

A rare public defection by soldiers injects uncertainty into a Gen Z-driven uprising over power and water failures.

Zivilisten und Soldaten protestieren gemeinsam gegen die Regierung
Nach seit Tagen anhaltenden gewaltvollen Protesten gegen die Regierung in Madagaskar haben sich mehrere Gruppen madagassischer Soldaten den Demonstranten angeschlossen. Sie wurden von tausenden Demonstranten in Antananarivo begeistert empfangen.
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Overview

  • Several soldiers joined crowds in Antananarivo after police used tear gas and stun grenades, drawing cheers from thousands.
  • Troops from the Soanierana base publicly urged the military, gendarmerie and police to refuse orders to fire on demonstrators.
  • President Andry Rajoelina characterized the unrest as an attempted illegal seizure of power, and the defense minister called for calm and dialogue.
  • The United Nations reports at least 22 dead and more than 100 injured since late September, figures the government disputes as the president cited 12 deaths.
  • Protests led by Gen Z began over lengthy daily power cuts and water shortages, with demands for Rajoelina’s resignation, the dissolution of key institutions and prosecution of businessman Mamy Ravatomanga.