2002 Malagasy political crisis

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2002 Malagasy political crisis (Krizy politika Malagasy 2002)
DateJanuary 8, 2002 – July 5, 2002
Location
Madagascar
Caused by
Goals
MethodsDemonstrations, Riots, General strikes
Resulted in
  • Protests suppressed by force
Deaths and injuries
Death(s)70-100
Injuries100+

The 2002 Malagasy political crisis (Malagasy: Krizy Politika Malagasy 2002) was a mass movement and a deadly conflict in Madagascar. It took place between January - July 2002 after the 2001 Malagasy presidential election and the swearing-in of President Marc Ravalomanana.[1]

Background[]

Madagascar faced political challenges during the election as the main candidate, Marc Ravalomanana, rejected the results. In 1990-1992, a wave of popular unrest led to the fall of the government and fresh elections, an end to the government’s party in power, and a fresh new life for the Malagasy people. However, after the election, tensions started to simmer due to the results of the elections.[2]

Uprising[]

Riots broke out in Antananarivo following mass protests staged by opponents of president-elect Marc Ravalomanana. Rioters clashed with police as they threw stones and set fires, demanding fresh votes. The military was deployed to disperse crowds of demonstrators gathering to protest, using tear gas and batons to suppress the uprising.[3] In January and February alone, 20-50 were injured during the violence.[4]

In March, there was a wave of demonstrations amid growing street opposition and daily rioting, resulting in 20 fatalities due to police brutality. Following this, there were organized marches protesting the results of the elections, denounced as fraudulent by the opposition. The incumbent candidate, Didier Ratsiraka, led mass protests in the latter part of the month as well. During the protests in the capital, rifle shots were heard and demonstrators waved pictures and flags.[5]

In April, violence broke out when rival demonstrators expressed their support for the results and the newly-elected government. Police opened fire at stone-throwing demonstrators amid escalating tensions in the area. Clashes continued for the next 2 months while the political crisis kept intensifying.

According to many sources, 70 people lost their lives and hundreds more were injured during the demonstrations. The blockades that caused shortages led the country to the brink of civil war.[6]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Madagascar general strike in support of Marc Ravolomanana, 2002". Nonviolent Database. 14 May 2011.
  2. ^ "More Protests Seen in Madagascar - 2002-02-03". VOANews. October 27, 2009.
  3. ^ "More Madagascar protests". BBC. 8 January 2002.
  4. ^ "Madagascar protests halted". BBC. 11 January 2002.
  5. ^ "Thousands Protest Against Madagascar Election Results - 2002-02-06". VOANews. October 29, 2009.
  6. ^ "Madagascar on the brink of civil war". The Guardian. 6 April 2002.
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