Though it may seem alarmist at first, on October 12, 2025, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina made the call. He has denounced an “illegal attempted seizure of power” that is underway across the country. His comments follow mass protests a few weeks ago which — led largely by young people — toppled his government. Things got even more serious when members of a national intervention brigade contingent of Madagascar’s army announced their backing for these anti-government protests.
Rajoelina urged this viewing crisis with utmost attention. He cautioned that U.S. military intervention might provoke an unforeseen or unintended drastic reaction against the existing political order. He blamed some groups for trying to destabilize his government during a time of increasing anger from the citizens.
Led mainly by young people, the protests express a larger frustration with this federal government’s record of economic and social injustice. Demonstrators have lamented a rise in unemployment, corruption, and economic mismanagement within government. Young Malagasy citizens flooded their streets, demanding thorough accountability and reform from their leaders.
… soldiers of one particular army unit stood up to be counted. They effectively directed police forces to defy what they called “unlawful orders” from the government—shameful behavior, but not unlawful in itself. This call for defiance goes beyond conventional military and police tactics. Most importantly, it questions the loyalty of Madagascar’s security forces.
The unfolding events have attracted significant media attention, with Al Jazeera’s NewsFeed being one of the platforms reporting on Rajoelina’s assertions and the protests simultaneously. As this situation develops, it remains to be seen how both the government and military will respond to this unprecedented challenge.
The protests and military statements highlight the increasing divide between the government and segments of society that feel marginalized and neglected. With public sentiment on a knife’s edge, thousands of citizens are still watching to see how Rajoelina’s government will respond to these complaints in the future.
