Madagascar’s presidency announced on Sunday that an ongoing attempt to seize power by force was unfolding in the African nation, as additional soldiers aligned with a youth-driven protest movement that has shaken the former French colony for over two weeks.
Soldiers from the elite CAPSAT unit, instrumental in President Andry Rajoelina’s ascension to power in a 2009 coup, called on their comrades on Saturday to defy orders and support the youth-led demonstrations that commenced on September 25. These protests represent the most significant threat to Rajoelina’s authority since his re-election in 2023.
CAPSAT officers declared on Sunday that they were in control of the nation’s security operations and would oversee all military branches from their base near the capital, Antananarivo. They appointed Gen. Demosthene Pikulas as the army’s head.
Additionally, a segment of the paramilitary gendarmerie, which had previously collaborated with the police in managing the protests, distanced themselves from the government on Sunday. The Intervention Forces of the National Gendarmerie emphasized that the gendarmerie’s role was to safeguard citizens and not to serve the interests of a select few.
The gendarmerie stated that they were collaborating with CAPSAT headquarters. Both the Defence Ministry and the military general staff opted not to provide comments.
Reports indicated three individuals sustained injuries from gunshots near the CAPSAT barracks on Sunday. However, witnesses noted no ongoing conflicts in the area.
In a social media statement from the presidential office, it was highlighted that Rajoelina was facing an attempted illegal and forcible power takeover. The president advocated for dialogue to resolve the crisis.
Rajoelina’s whereabouts remained unknown on Sunday, although his office affirmed late Saturday that both he and the prime minister retained full control over the nation’s affairs.
The demonstrations, inspired by Gen Z-led movements in other countries, commenced due to water and electricity shortages but evolved into calls for Rajoelina’s resignation, an apology for violence against protesters, and the dissolution of the Senate and electoral commission.
Thousands of protestors congregated in Antananarivo on Sunday to protest against the government and honor a deceased CAPSAT soldier allegedly killed by the gendarmerie.
The peaceful assembly witnessed the participation of church leaders, opposition figures including former president Marc Ravalomanana, and CAPSAT troops.
Madagascar, with a predominantly young population, confronts high poverty levels, with about three-quarters of its 32 million citizens living in impoverished conditions, per the World Bank.
Local media footage displayed numerous soldiers leaving the barracks on Saturday to escort demonstrators into May 13 Square in Antananarivo, a site of several political upheavals.
The African Union Commission’s chief urged for calm and restraint amidst the turmoil. In response to the security situation, Air France-KLM’s French division suspended flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and Antananarivo from Saturday to Monday.
