By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Youth-backed protesters in Madagascar say they are not ready for “national dialogue” proposed by President Andry Rajoelina on Tuesday, instead accuses his government of repression following weeks of demonstrations in the African island nation.
A dialogue in which Rajoelina said will be attended by spiritual leaders, students, youth representatives, and others was scheduled to commence on Wednesday.
“We reject this mockery of dialogue,” the protesters said in the statement posted on their verified Facebook page.
“We refuse the president’s invitation to talks. We will not engage in dialogue with a regime that represses, assaults, and humiliates its youth in the streets,” it declared.
The demonstrations which started since September 25 according to analysts are being inspired by similar “Gen Z” protests in Kenya and Nepal.
It is seen as the biggest challenge to Rajoelina’s government since his re-election in 2023, amplifying widespread discontent over rampant poverty and high-level corruption in the country.
The President had on Monday appointed an army General as Prime Minister following the sack of his cabinet last week. On Tuesday, he announced a national dialogue hoping to quell the protests.
This has however failed to ease public anger, as the Gen Z movement said they would not hold talks with the government as long as authorities respond to their demonstrations with brutal force.
On Monday, the protesters issued an ultimatum to the government, giving it 48 hours to meet their demands or face a nationwide strike.
Protests were initially sparked by shortage of water and epileptic power supply, but have expanded to include calls for the resignation of Rajoelina as the President. Demonstrators also want him apologise to the nation, and dissolve the senate and the election commission.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 persons have been feared dead since the beginning of the protests while 100 others have sustained varying injuries. The government has however disputed these figures.
Late on Tuesday Rajoelina appointed new ministers for defence and public security and asked them to restore public order.
“Do not tolerate the incitement of unrest,” he said, without elaborating further on possible measures.
