Madagascar’s presidency announced on Sunday that a coup attempt was underway in the country as additional soldiers joined a protest movement led by the youth, causing significant unrest in the former French colony for over two weeks.
Soldiers from the elite CAPSAT unit, which had played a role in President Andry Rajoelina’s rise to power in a 2009 coup, encouraged fellow soldiers on Saturday to defy orders and support the youth-led protests that commenced on September 25. These protests represent the most substantial challenge to Rajoelina’s authority since his re-election in 2023.
The CAPSAT officers stated on Sunday that they were in control of the nation’s security operations and would oversee all military branches from their base on the outskirts of Antananarivo, the capital. They also appointed Gen. Demosthene Pikulas as the army’s head.
Furthermore, a unit of the paramilitary gendarmerie, which had been working alongside the police to handle the protests, broke away from the government on Sunday. The Intervention Forces of the National Gendarmerie emphasized that the gendarmerie’s role is to protect citizens and not to serve individual interests.
The presidency’s official social media account released a statement indicating that an unlawful and forcible power seizure was in progress, with President Rajoelina advocating for dialogue to resolve the crisis. Rajoelina’s whereabouts were unknown on Sunday, but his office asserted late on Saturday that he and the prime minister maintained control over the nation’s affairs.
The demonstrations, inspired by Gen Z-led movements in other countries, initially sparked due to water and electricity shortages but have since evolved. Protesters are demanding Rajoelina’s resignation, an apology for violence against demonstrators, and the dissolution of the Senate and electoral commission.
Thousands of protesters congregated in Antananarivo on Sunday to protest against the government and honor a deceased CAPSAT soldier allegedly killed by the gendarmerie. The gathering was attended by church leaders, opposition figures, including former president Marc Ravalomanana, and CAPSAT troops.
Madagascar, where the majority of the population lives in poverty, has a youthful demographic, with a median age of less than 20. Local media footage showed soldiers escorting protesters into May 13 Square in Antananarivo on Saturday, marking a significant development in the unfolding events.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the African Union Commission’s chief, called for calm and restraint in light of the escalating situation. In response to the security concerns, Air France-KLM’s French division suspended flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and Antananarivo from Saturday to Monday.