Transparency International reacts to the situation in Madagascar

Responding to the military’s announcement that it has seized power in Madagascar, suspended key democratic institutions and appointed a new Prime Minister alongside a transitional governing body, Mialisoa Randriamampianina, Spokesperson for Transparency International Madagascar, said:

"The peaceful protests by Madagascan citizens, particularly from Generation Z, are the result of several years of corruption that have weakened the country both in terms of human rights and the economy. We have experienced a particularly challenging decade during which freedom of expression was severely restricted and the population struggled to enjoy their basic rights.

“We are vigilant and demand a return to constitutional order, with visible efforts to strengthen the fight against corruption and dismantle the networks that fuel the flow of illicit money throughout the island and facilitate the plundering of our resources. We insist that the legitimate demands of citizens for transparency, justice and good governance be heard, respected and fulfilled.

“In the current climate, a transition based on transparency, inclusivity and dialogue, with a firm commitment to dismantling the sprawling system of corruption and poor governance, is the only credible approach. Any abuse of power, authoritarian drift, or attempt to manipulate the democratic process would be fertile ground for the spread of corruption and the lasting weakening of institutions and would further deepen social divisions."

Notes to editors:

Madagascar was ranked 140th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).