Madagascar President Pledges to Fix Nation’s Challenges in One Year or Resign
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Rajoelina promises decisive action on power shortages, youth discontent, and economic struggles.
Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar, has vowed to resign if the country’s persistent problems are not resolved within the next 12 months. Speaking at a town-hall style meeting in his presidential palace, Rajoelina told supporters and citizens that he was ready to face the consequences of failure.
“I swear that if power cuts persist in the capital within a year, I will resign,” he declared to a room filled with government supporters and community representatives.
A Shift Toward Honest Dialogue
Rajoelina emphasized that he no longer wanted praise or sugarcoated reports from those around him. “I don’t want flattery. I want to hear the truth,” he said, blaming those who claimed everything was fine for the current state of affairs.
The president launched this new listening initiative to foster open discussions with citizens, hoping to rebuild trust and address grievances directly.
Youth Movement Rejects Dialogue
Despite the president’s call for unity, the protest movement Gen Z Mada rejected his invitation to attend the talks. The group, composed largely of young activists, has been at the forefront of protests demanding his resignation.
“We will not engage in dialogue with a regime that represses, assaults, and humiliates its youth in the streets,” the group wrote on its Facebook page. Gen Z Mada has called for more protests on Thursday.
Roots of the Crisis
The ongoing demonstrations began on 25 September, initially triggered by anger over persistent power and water shortages. Over time, the movement has grown to express broader frustrations with corruption, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
Last week, Rajoelina dismissed his entire government and appointed an army general as prime minister in a bid to regain public confidence. However, protesters rejected the appointment, vowing to maintain pressure on the government.
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Power Projects and Economic Concerns
The president assured the public that major power projects were underway to stabilize the national grid. He promised the addition of 265 megawatts to address the chronic blackouts that have plagued the capital, Antananarivo.
“This is not about politics; it’s about solutions. If these problems continue after a year, I will step down,” Rajoelina said firmly.
Protests and Security Tensions
Although the youth-led movement remains vocal, street protests have begun to lose momentum. Daily life in most parts of the capital continues as normal, except in a few neighborhoods with a heavy police presence and roadblocks.
At least 22 people have died in clashes with security forces, with many others injured, according to United Nations. The government disputes these figures, but tensions remain high.
A Leader Under Pressure
Rajoelina, who came to power in 2009 after leading mass protests that ousted then-president Marc Ravalomanana, now faces mounting pressure from a new generation of protesters. His political survival may depend on whether he can deliver meaningful change within the year he has set for himself.
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