The office of Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has announced that an attempt to illegally seize power is currently in progress within the country. News broke shortly after an army unit known as CAPSAT claimed to have taken control of military leadership, asserting authority over all armed forces including land, air, and naval divisions.
This militaristic unit played a significant role during the 2009 political crisis, which ultimately helped elevate Rajoelina to power.
Protests first erupted on September 25 due to issues surrounding water and power cuts, but these demonstrations have since escalated, mirroring widespread dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government in light of soaring unemployment, rampant corruption, and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
In response to these developments, Rajoelina stated, 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 denounced the movement in the strongest terms and called upon the nation’s key forces to stand united in protecting the constitutional order and national sovereignty.
CAPSAT has announced the appointment of General Demosthene Pikulas as the new chief of staff on their official Facebook page.
Amid rising tensions, a shooting incident reportedly occurred at the CAPSAT camp on Sunday morning after officials from the gendarmerie visited for discussions, although further details remain sparse.
Reports also indicated that some soldiers abandoned their posts on the outskirts of the capital, Antananarivo, to join protestors outside the town hall. The army unit had previously condemned the government’s use of excessive force against demonstrators.
Prior to these developments, the presidency had reassured the public that Rajoelina and his new prime minister—an army general appointed just the previous week—were in command of the situation.
