Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has claimed that ongoing youth-led protests demanding his resignation represent a foreign-funded attempt to seize power through unconstitutional means. The president, who first assumed leadership following a 2009 military takeover, made the allegations during a live social media broadcast.
Demonstrations that began in late September over persistent electricity and water shortages have evolved into broader demands for systemic reforms and accountability. According to United Nations figures, security forces have killed at least 22 protesters, though government officials dispute these casualty numbers.
Despite the president’s recent dismissal of his prime minister and dissolution of the cabinet, the protest movement has continued, now calling for the removal of multiple senior officials including constitutional court judges and parliamentary leaders.
Rajoelina asserted that unspecified foreign governments and organizations were financing the demonstrations to remove him from office outside electoral processes. “Countries and agencies paid for this movement to get me out, not through elections, but for profit to take power like other African countries,” the president stated, though he provided no evidence to support these claims.
The 51-year-old leader, who returned to power through elections after his initial term, emphasized that public grievances should be addressed through dialogue rather than street protests.
Young activists have rejected the president’s characterization of their movement. One 18-year-old participant described the president’s remarks as disrespectful, noting that protesters had been accused of being “robots” and conducting cyber attacks. The activist warned that while demonstrations have remained peaceful, continued violent responses from security forces could escalate tensions.
The Indian Ocean nation remains one of the world’s poorest countries despite its abundant natural resources, with average annual income standing at just $545 according to World Bank data. Economic analysts have attributed the country’s persistent poverty to institutional weaknesses and lack of transparency.
The protest movement has drawn inspiration from youth-led demonstrations in other countries while incorporating local symbols into their imagery. Similar youth protests have recently emerged in other nations, including Morocco where security forces have also reportedly killed demonstrators.
