Description: Madagascar’s Gen Z protesters have issued an ultimatum to President Andry Rajoelina by threatening a nationwide strike within 48 hours in case their full charter of demands aren’t met. Rajoelina has instead called for negotiations where representatives such as student representatives and spiritual leaders would also be present in order to reach a civil consensus regarding the growing scope of socio – economic issues in the country. The protesters have so far demanded Rajoelina’s resignation, the dissolution of the country’s parliament and election commission and a public apology to the nation by the President. The protesters also publicly denounced the appointment of General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new Prime Minister, labeling it a political cosmetic gesture. Local news outlets have reported a substantial downsizing in numbers among the protesters in the past couple of days.
Impact: Through the issued ultimatum, the protesters are effectively threatening the lockdown of the country on multiple fronts creating further pressure on the President which would eventually force him to resign. Rajoelina, who himself usurped power through student led protests in 2009, has so far resisted calls for his resignation and enforced an insistence position through negotiations. The new Prime Minister was also immediately discredited as part of the government’s problematic establishment as the protesters remained adamant in their demands. Rajoelina’s calls for negotiations have been repeatedly denounced by the demonstrators, which indicates that a period of extreme turmoil is in the making for Madagascar. The civil unrest would most probably mark a significant upsurge, since the protesters are renouncing calls for negotiations while Rajoelina has consistently refused to resign.