Antananarivo: Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina announced on Sunday that an "attempt to seize power illegally and by force" is underway, following a declaration by a mutinied army unit that it was taking control of the country's military forces. This development comes in the wake of a massive protest movement that began last month, which has seen some soldiers joining the demonstrators.
According to France24.com, the CAPSAT contingent, composed of administrative and technical officers, has declared its control over the army. The unit's statements came amid growing unrest, as youth-led protests have disrupted the Indian Ocean island for over two weeks. The protests were initially sparked by dissatisfaction with power and water shortages, escalating further due to alleged heavy-handed tactics by the gendarmerie.
President Rajoelina emphasized the need for dialogue, stating that it is "the only way forward and the only solution to the crisis currently facing the country." He appealed for unity in his address. Meanwhile, Air France has responded to the security situation by suspending its flights to Madagascar at least until Tuesday, with further suspensions possible.
Saturday's demonstration in Antananarivo marked one of the largest gatherings since the protest movement began on September 25. The CAPSAT unit aligned itself with the protesters, pledging to "refuse orders to shoot" and criticizing the gendarmerie's aggressive tactics, which have been blamed for multiple deaths.
Reports from FRANCE 24's correspondent Gaëlle Borgia note that the CAPSAT officers, as non-commissioned members, feel allied with the public, sharing their grievances over power and water issues. In a conciliatory gesture, gendarmerie officers acknowledged "faults and excesses during our interventions" and called for unity between the military and the gendarmes.
Despite the turmoil, the government assured the public that President Rajoelina remains in the country and is actively managing national affairs. The recently appointed prime minister affirmed the government's resilience and willingness to engage in dialogue.
The United Nations has documented at least 22 fatalities since the protests erupted, attributing the deaths to both security forces and violence from criminal elements exploiting the chaos. However, President Rajoelina contests these figures, citing 12 confirmed deaths, all of whom he described as looters and vandals.
Local media have reported additional casualties, including two more deaths and 26 injuries on the latest day of protests. The CAPSAT unit also mentioned that a soldier was fatally shot by gendarmes during the unrest.
