A military contingent from a large base located near the Malagasy capital called, in a video broadcast on Saturday October 11, for disobedience, asking in particular soldiers and security forces to“joining forces” and of “refuse orders to shoot” on the demonstrators.
The military contingent of the Army Corps of Personnel and Administrative and Technical Services (Capsat) also called on the police and gendarmes to join them, and asked the soldiers stationed in front of the presidential palaces to leave their positions and block the airport.
Several thousand people demonstrated in the capital against the government on Saturday, the largest demonstration in several days. The police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the demonstrators, who have been mobilizing in several cities across the country since September 25, noted a team from Agence France-Presse (AFP).
“Let us unite our forces, soldiers, gendarmes and police, and refuse to be paid to shoot at our friends, our brothers and our sisters”soldiers from the important military base in the Soanierana district, on the outskirts of Antananarivo, said in this video.
In 2009, this base led a mutiny during the popular uprising that brought the current president, Andry Rajoelina, to power. “To all soldiers, those who are ready to take responsibility, immediately join Capsat (…) You, the soldiers at the presidential palaces of Iavoloha and Ambohitsorohitra, leave your post and return to your original camps (…) You who are in Ivato, prevent all aircraft without distinction from taking off”add the military.
Tensions between the army and the government
“Close the gates and await our instructions. Stop obeying orders from your superiors. Point your guns [sur] those who order you to shoot your brothers in arms because they are not the ones who will take care of our family if we ever die”they added. The number of soldiers who responded to this call was not immediately known.
The new Minister of the Armed Forces, during a press conference on Saturday, called on the troops to calm down. “We call on our brothers who do not agree with us to favor dialogue”a déclaré Le General deraraariveloariveloarivelo. “The Malagasy army remains a mediator and constitutes the last line of defense of the nation”he added.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, on Friday called on the Malagasy authorities to “stop the use of unnecessary force” the day after demonstrations in Antananarivo which left many protesters injured.
At least 22 people were killed at the start of the demonstrations which began on September 25 and more than a hundred injured, according to a report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights dated September 29. The protest movement against water and electricity cuts has transformed into a challenge to power, embodied by President Andry Rajoelina, 51 years old.
President Rajoelina denied “wrong figures” Wednesday, estimating the “loss of life” at 12, all “looters, thugs”according to him. After a conciliatory tone and the dismissal of the government, the president took a security turn by appointing a soldier as prime minister as well as only three new ministers so far: those of the armies, public security and the gendarmerie.
