Description: Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina, while attending the dialogue meeting with government supporters in the presidential palace, has requested one year to implement the necessary reforms in the country. He told the attendees of the meeting that in one year power cuts and water shortages would not be an issue, while the government would also work towards tackling poverty and combating unemployment. The president’s calls for dialogue have been strenuously objected and rejected by the protesters who have pledged to continue the demonstrations until the President resigns. The Gen Z Mada movement has so far established their own website and enhanced social media presence across Facebook and Instagram while growing in popularity with various social groups, such as healthcare workers and trade unions. The announcement from the President arrives a day after the protesters delivered an ultimatum to the country’s leader to step down or alternatively face a nationwide strike and massive disruptions.
Impact: Rajoelina’s refusal to give in towards the demands of the protesters by using expendable political maneuvers such as the dissolution of the government, the appointment of the new Prime Minister or the reshuffle of his cabinet risks imploding the civil unrest even further. The protesters have delivered their demands, and their resolve remains unchanged for the time being with Rajoelina’s presidency still clinging to survival. The Gen Z Mada movement, despite depleting in numbers the past couple of days, still represents a socially impactful group which is capable of toppling the government. The President still attempts to navigate away from the political and civil crisis by implementing shortsighted measures in order to appease the protesters. The crisis would continue with the potential of further escalation since the government, and the protesters are currently adopting conflicting narratives with no common ground for political dialogue or social compromise.