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4h ago

Madagascar Troops Join Gen Z Protests as Demonstrators Enter May 13 Square

Government efforts, including a reshuffle and a proposed dialogue, have not quelled a youth-led revolt over hardship and corruption.

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An army contingent called on soldiers at the airport to refuse orders to shoot civilians
The newly appointed minister of the armed forces called on troops to 'remain calm' in a press conference Saturday

Overview

  • Groups of soldiers in Antananarivo joined thousands of protesters and declared they would refuse any orders to shoot demonstrators.
  • Protesters reached the long-guarded May 13 Square under military escort for the first time since the unrest began on September 25.
  • The United Nations reports at least 22 deaths and around 100 injuries since the protests began, a toll President Andry Rajoelina disputes as 12.
  • The new armed forces minister urged calm and dialogue after a video from the Soanierana barracks called on troops to defy orders and block aircraft.
  • Rajoelina dismissed his cabinet and appointed a military officer as prime minister, while youth organizers rejected his proposed national dialogue.