Malagasy Prime Minister Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo has called for calm and dialogue, just as the CAPSAT (National Assembly of the People’s Party) has publicly expressed its support for the protesters.
The presidency assures that President Andry Rajoelina is still in the country to manage state affairs.
Amid political tensions in Madagascar, the head of government spoke out Saturday evening to call for responsibility, urging the population and security forces to avoid all violence and to preserve public property.
The protests, which are demanding the departure of President Andry Rajoelina and institutional reforms, took a turn with the intervention of the Army Administration and Technical Services Corps (CAPSAT). Colonel Mikaël Randrianirina, head of the CAPSAT, told Réunion Première: ”
The Prime Minister assures that after the gendarmerie crackdown, it is trying to show the Malagasy people that the army still exists. He confirmed that there is no coup d’état. ”
The Presidency of the Republic affirmed that President Andry Rajoelina has not left the country and that he is continuing his mission in Madagascar to ensure the management of national affairs, in collaboration with Prime Minister Ruphin Zafisambo.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have died since the protests began, a figure disputed by the authorities. Thousands of protesters were able to enter May 13 Square under military escort for the first time.
