Madagascar Soldiers Break Ranks, Refuse Orders to Shoot Protesters
Soldiers from a major military base near Madagascar’s capital have publicly urged fellow troops to reject orders to shoot at protesters, as thousands rallied in Antananarivo demanding political reform.
The call came Saturday amid growing unrest and a United Nations warning to avoid excessive force following injuries during clashes with police.
In a video released from the Soanierana military base on the outskirts of the capital, the soldiers appealed for unity among the armed forces and resistance to violent directives.
“Let us join forces, military, gendarmes and police, and refuse to be paid to shoot our friends, our brothers and our sisters,” the soldiers said.
They also called on troops in other camps to disobey any orders to fire on civilians.
“Refuse orders to shoot your friends. Close the gates and await our instructions. Do not obey orders from your superiors.
“Point your weapons at those who order you to fire on your comrades-in-arms, because they will not take care of our families if we die,” they said.
It remains unclear how many soldiers have responded to the call.
The United Nations had already urged Madagascar’s authorities on Friday to avoid unnecessary force, after several protesters were injured during confrontations with police the previous day.
The Soanierana base has a history of political influence.
In 2009, it led a mutiny that helped bring current President Andry Rajoelina to power.
According to Vanguard, the latest video has reignited concerns about fractures within the military and the risk of renewed instability.
In response, newly appointed Minister of the Armed Forces, General Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo, urged calm during a press briefing on Saturday.
“We call on our brothers who disagree with us to prioritise dialogue,” he said.
He added, “The Malagasy army remains a mediator and constitutes the nation’s last line of defence.”
As pressure mounts from civil society and international observers, Madagascar’s leadership faces a critical test of unity, discipline, and restraint.
The soldiers’ defiance, paired with the UN’s warning, has intensified calls for accountability and a peaceful resolution to the growing unrest.
