The government of Madagascar has revealed that there’s an ongoing attempt to take over the government of Andry Rajoelina, in a coup by military forces.
This was disclosed by the Madagascar President’s office who raised alarm about the attempt to seize power.
Hours after the announcement, a military unit known as CAPSAT declared that it had taken over control of the army, including the land, air, and naval forces.
CAPSAT, which played a key role in the 2009 political crisis that brought Rajoelina to power, announced on its Facebook page that it had appointed a new chief of staff, General Demosthene Pikulas.
The latest unrest began on September 25 with demonstrations over water and power shortages. Those protests have since grown into broader anger at the government over unemployment, corruption, and the rising cost of living.
In a statement, President Rajoelina said there was “an attempt to seize power in violation of the Constitution and democratic principles.”
He strongly condemned what he described as an effort to destabilize the country and urged all national forces to defend Madagascar’s constitutional order and sovereignty.
On Saturday, reports emerged that some soldiers had left their barracks on the outskirts of the capital, Antananarivo, to join protesters gathered at the city’s town hall. Later, gunfire was reportedly heard at the military camp after gendarmerie officials arrived for talks, though details remain unclear.
CAPSAT had earlier criticized the government for using excessive force to disperse demonstrations in the capital.
