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Gen Z revolution or coup against democracy? Madagascar’s political upheaval harkens back to 2009

Madagascar has entered a volatile new chapter of political upheaval and uncertainty. After weeks of Gen Z–led protests over poverty, corruption, lack of access to education, and chronic power and water shortages, the elite CAPSAT military unit defected, toppling President Andry Rajoelina’s government to the cheers of youthful demonstrators. Parliament, defying an exile‑issued dissolution decree, voted to impeach him. Colonel Michael Randrianirina has since been confirmed by the High Constitutional Court as interim head of state, pledging a transition of 18 to 24 months. Lova Tahina Rajaoarinelina, Special Advisor to President Rajoelina, denounces the military takeover as a veritable coup d’état and challenges claims of unity with youth protesters. Her analysis reveals a deepening crisis of democratic legitimacy, carried out once again by the same CAPSAT unit that helped bring Rajoelina to power in the 2009 military-backed coup.

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Who is Michael Randrianirina, set to become Madagascar’s new president?

He is set to become Madagascar’s new president after mass protests led to the toppling of Andry Rajoelina. But who is the colonel Michael Randrianirina, who has become the face of the country’s latest power grab? He has vowed to ‘quickly’ appoint a new civilian prime minister and to hold elections within two years. In the meantime, he announced the creation of a military council composed of army and police officers to lead the country.

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Tunisian anti-pollution protests target ageing factory

Several thousand people in Southern Tunisia took to the streets to demand that an aging chemical factory in Gabes be closed. The factory produces phosphate fertilisers and residents say it has been poisoning scores of people, with nearly 200 having been admitted to hospital in recent weeks after falling ill. FRANCE 24’s Philip Turle breaks down what’s happening there.

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