Coup d'État in Madagascar: France Urges Preservation of Democracy and Rule of Law
On Wednesday, France urged the military authorities who seized power in Madagascar following weeks of popular protests to uphold democracy and the rule of law, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"It is essential that democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law are scrupulously preserved," Paris emphasized, calling for all relevant stakeholders—institutional, political, and social—to act responsibly, exercise restraint, and engage in dialogue.
"It is their duty to ensure a calm and respectful environment where everyone can express themselves freely, without fear, pressure, or foreign interference," added the Quai d'Orsay.
Furthermore, "the deep aspirations of the Malagasy people, particularly of the youth, for a better, fairer, and more dignified life must be fully heard and taken into account," it stated, noting that France "stands ready alongside regional actors" to seek a resolution to the crisis.
On Tuesday, soldiers who had joined the anti-government protesters took control shortly after the National Assembly ousted President Andry Rajoelina, who appears to have fled the island nation, and promised elections within two years.
The protest movement, which began on September 25, initially denounced ongoing water and electricity cuts, but has since evolved into a broader challenge to President Rajoelina and his faction.
At least 22 people were reported killed at the beginning of the protests, with over a hundred injured, according to a United Nations report, which was disputed by the Malagasy head of state, who cited twelve deaths, all of whom he claimed were "looters and rioters."
One of the seriously injured protesters is currently being evacuated for medical treatment to Réunion, as stated by the Quai d'Orsay.
Their statement made no mention of the potential role of the former colonial power in the exfiltration of Mr. Rajoelina, who reportedly left the country "on a French military plane to Réunion, before heading to another destination with his family," according to French radio RFI.
On Monday evening, President Emmanuel Macron had already refused to confirm this information, instead calling for respect for "constitutional order" and "institutional continuity."