In Madagascar, the protest movement of the “collective of 11” shows no sign of weakness. During their second meeting held at the Antsonjombe Coliseum in Antananarivo, the opposition candidates promised to toughen their action to prevent the holding of the presidential election scheduled for November 16. Gathered in front of thousands of supporters, they called for taking over the Place du 13-Mai, the emblematic site of the fall of Marc Ravalomanana in 2009.
Marc Ravalomanana himself, former President of the Republic overthrown in this same square, showed significant support: Mounja Roindefo, one of the instigators of the 2009 coup d’état. This symbolic gesture aims to recall the determination of the collective to overthrow the current president, Andry Rajoelina, and to make his voice heard by the Malagasy population.
In a show of force, the opposition candidates mobilized their supporters, but also newcomers, such as Sylvain, a retiree, and Seth, a retired worker. The latter believe that the political crisis is worsening and that it is time to intensify the protest movement. They recommend in particular extending actions in the provinces and toughening the fight to obtain concrete results.
Faced with the controversial appointment of General Richard Ravalomanana as interim president last Friday, the protesters see this as one more element strengthening their determination. They fear that the general is ruling the country in an authoritarian manner and that this will lead to blockages within the public administration.
The collective of 11 has already arranged to meet its activists for a resumption of the movement on Tuesday, October 31. They are confident and promise that the fight will produce results next week.
The situation in Madagascar therefore remains tense and the protest movement continues to gain strength. Opposition candidates appear determined to make their voices heard and block the presidential election. To be continued.