South Africa Calls for Calm and Restraint in Madagascar Amid Escalating Protests and Coup Fears
South Africa has expressed deep concern over the escalating political crisis in Madagascar, urging all parties to exercise calm and restraint to avoid further violence. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) issued a statement on Sunday, emphasising the need for peaceful dialogue and respect for the democratic process. This comes as youth-led protests in the island nation’s capital, Antananarivo, have intensified over the past two weeks, leading to at least 22 deaths and fears of a military coup after elite soldiers joined the demonstrators.
The unrest, which began as demands for better basic services, has evolved into a major challenge to President Andry Rajoelina’s leadership, drawing international attention and calls for de-escalation from regional bodies.
DIRCO’s Urgent Appeal for Peace
In its statement, DIRCO highlighted South Africa’s sadness over the loss of life and property destruction during the protests. “The Government of the Republic of South Africa has noted with deep concern the recent political developments in the Republic of Madagascar. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the destruction of property that has occurred,” the department said.
It called for immediate restraint: “South Africa calls for calm and restraint from all actors and urges them to do everything necessary to avoid any further action that may escalate tensions or worsen the humanitarian situation.” The statement urged respect for constitutional order and democratic processes, adding: “It is imperative that any disputes be resolved peacefully through inclusive dialogue, cooperation, and established legal mechanisms. In accordance with the Lomé declaration, South Africa does not support unconstitutional changes of government.”
DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola reaffirmed commitment to a peaceful resolution, noting: “We wish to recall that regional conflict resolution mechanisms remain at the disposal of the people of Madagascar to facilitate dialogue and a peaceful way forward. Minister Lamola reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution that upholds the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and sustainable development for the region.”
South Africa’s position aligns with its role as a key player in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), both of which have urged restraint and dialogue in response to the crisis.
Roots of the Madagascar Protests and Recent Escalations
The protests erupted on 25 September 2025, initially over chronic water and electricity shortages that have plagued urban areas like Antananarivo. Led by a group calling itself “Gen Z Madagascar” – inspired by similar youth movements in Kenya and Nepal – the demonstrations quickly expanded to broader grievances, including alleged government corruption, nepotism, and economic mismanagement. Protesters have demanded President Rajoelina’s resignation, an apology for violence against demonstrators, and the dissolution of the Senate and electoral commission.
Over the past two weeks, the unrest has turned deadly, with the United Nations reporting at least 22 people killed and over 100 injured, mostly from clashes with security forces using tear gas, rubber bullets, and live rounds. The Malagasy government has disputed these figures, claiming only 12 deaths.
Tensions peaked on 11 October 2025, when soldiers from the elite CAPSAT unit – the same group that supported Rajoelina’s 2009 rise to power – publicly joined the protesters. In a viral video, the troops urged fellow military, gendarmes, and police to disobey orders and refuse to shoot at demonstrators, citing shared economic struggles. Dozens of soldiers then escorted thousands of protesters into May 13 Square, a symbolic site of past uprisings that had been off-limits and heavily guarded.
This defection prompted Rajoelina to warn of an “attempted illegal and forcible seizure of power” on 12 October 2025, without providing evidence. The president urged security forces to defend constitutional order, while the prime minister and army chief called for calm and dialogue. Reports suggest Rajoelina may have fled the State House, though his location remains unconfirmed.
Humanitarian and Regional Implications
The crisis has exacerbated Madagascar’s humanitarian woes, with the island nation already among the world’s poorest, where over 75% of its 30 million people live below the poverty line. Protests have disrupted daily life, closing schools, businesses, and tourism – a key economic driver. Frequent power cuts and water shortages, blamed on mismanagement and corruption, have fuelled public anger.
The African Union, United Nations, and SADC have expressed concern, urging restraint and peaceful resolution. The AU has called for respect for human rights, while France – Madagascar’s former colonial power – and other international partners monitor the situation closely. SADC plans to send envoys to Antananarivo to mediate, echoing South Africa’s offer of regional mechanisms.
Critics argue that Rajoelina’s government has used excessive force, with the prime minister condemning such actions but vowing to maintain order. The youth-led movement, organised via social media, remains leaderless and resilient, demanding not just service improvements but systemic change.
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