Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina, who first came to power in a 2009 coup, has accused youth-led protesters of attempting to trigger another coup. In a Facebook live video, Rajoelina claimed the demonstrations were funded by unspecified foreign governments and organisations, without providing evidence.
The protests, which began on 25 September over water and power cuts, have escalated into demands for action against corruption and political reform. At least 22 people have been killed by security forces, according to the UN, though officials deny this. On Monday, Rajoelina dismissed the prime minister and dissolved the government, but the Gen Z Madagascar movement continues to call for his resignation.
Rajoelina, a former DJ, said: 'Countries and agencies paid for this movement to get me out, not through elections, but for profit to take power like other African countries.' He urged dialogue over street protests. An 18-year-old activist rejected the president's claims, calling them 'very disrespectful,' and warned that continued violence by security forces could provoke aggression from protesters.
Madagascar, one of the world's poorest countries despite rich natural resources, has seen income per capita fall 45% since independence in 1960, according to the World Bank. Rajoelina first ruled from 2009 to 2014, returned to power after winning the 2018 election, and secured a third term in December 2023 in a poll opponents say was marred by irregularities.
