Madagascar.. Protesters enter May 13 Square for the first time under military guard

Protesters in Madagascar entered May 13 Square in the capital Antananarivo on Saturday under military guard, marking the first time since the protests erupted on September 25, which began due to shortages of water and electricity before escalating to become the most serious challenge to President Andry Rajoelina's rule since his re-election in 2023.

Local media reported that some soldiers from the army unit that assisted Rajoelina in the 2009 coup called on their comrades to disobey orders and support the protests, while the elite unit "CABSAT" issued a rare public call for solidarity with the demonstrators demanding the president's resignation.

Video footage showed soldiers leaving their barracks to accompany the protesters to the square, which is a historical stage for political uprisings in the country.

The protesters raised demands including:
- The resignation of President Rajoelina.
- An apology to the people.
- Dissolution of the Senate and the electoral commission.

Rajoelina had dismissed his government last week and appointed a new prime minister in an attempt to contain the crisis.

According to the United Nations, the unrest has resulted in the deaths of 22 people and injured about 100 others, while the government claims the death toll does not exceed 12 people.