The office of Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has said an attempt to seize power illegally and by force is under way in the country. Hours later, an army unit known as CAPSAT claimed that it had taken over the leadership of the military command, and was now in control of all the armed forces - land, air, and naval. This is the same unit that played a crucial role in the 2009 Malagasy political crisis, which helped Rajoelina rise to power.
Madagascar was first hit by youth-led protests on 25 September against water and power cuts, but they have escalated to reflect wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis. Rajoelina's whereabouts are unclear, but in a statement he said there is an attempt to seize power at this time in the territory of the Republic, in complete violation of the Constitution and democratic principles. He condemned in the strongest possible terms what he called an attempt to destabilise the country.
Rajoelina called on all of the nation's key forces to unite in defending the constitutional order and national sovereignty. CAPSAT stated it had appointed a new army chief of staff, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, according to a statement issued on its Facebook page. The African Union expressed deep concern and urged all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis.
The protest movement, known as Gen Z Mada, has been rallying support primarily through social media, marking the most significant challenge to Rajoelina since his re-election in 2023. As protesters reached a critical location previously inaccessible during past uprisings, their spirits surged. However, the situation remains precarious, with calls for accountability and an end to governmental corruption growing louder across the nation.
Madagascar was first hit by youth-led protests on 25 September against water and power cuts, but they have escalated to reflect wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis. Rajoelina's whereabouts are unclear, but in a statement he said there is an attempt to seize power at this time in the territory of the Republic, in complete violation of the Constitution and democratic principles. He condemned in the strongest possible terms what he called an attempt to destabilise the country.
Rajoelina called on all of the nation's key forces to unite in defending the constitutional order and national sovereignty. CAPSAT stated it had appointed a new army chief of staff, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, according to a statement issued on its Facebook page. The African Union expressed deep concern and urged all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis.
The protest movement, known as Gen Z Mada, has been rallying support primarily through social media, marking the most significant challenge to Rajoelina since his re-election in 2023. As protesters reached a critical location previously inaccessible during past uprisings, their spirits surged. However, the situation remains precarious, with calls for accountability and an end to governmental corruption growing louder across the nation.
