Madagascar’s presidency announced on Sunday that an effort to seize power through force was unfolding in the country as additional soldiers aligned with a youth-driven protest movement that has shaken the former French colony for over two weeks. Troops from the elite CAPSAT unit, instrumental in President Andry Rajoelina’s ascent to power in a 2009 coup, encouraged fellow soldiers to defy orders on Saturday and support the youth-led demonstrations that commenced on September 25, presenting the most significant challenge to Rajoelina’s authority since his reelection in 2023.
CAPSAT officers asserted control over the country’s security operations on Sunday, directing all military branches from their base on the outskirts of the capital, Antananarivo. They disclosed the appointment of Gen. Demosthene Pikulas as the army’s head. Additionally, a unit of the paramilitary gendarmerie, previously involved in quelling protests alongside the police, also defected from the government on Sunday.
The Intervention Forces of the National Gendarmerie emphasized that any use of force or misconduct towards citizens was prohibited, affirming the gendarmerie’s role in safeguarding people rather than serving individual interests. They confirmed collaboration with CAPSAT headquarters. The Defence Ministry and military general staff refrained from offering comments.
Witnesses reported three individuals injured from gunfire near the CAPSAT barracks on Sunday, though no ongoing clashes were observed. In a statement released on the presidency’s official social media account, it was stated that an illegal and forceful power takeover was in progress, with the president advocating for dialogue to resolve the crisis. Rajoelina’s whereabouts were unknown on Sunday, but his office assured late Saturday that he and the prime minister maintained full control of national affairs.
Inspired by Gen Z-led movements in other nations, the protests initially triggered by water and electricity shortages evolved into calls for Rajoelina’s resignation, apology for violence against protesters, and dissolution of the Senate and electoral commission. Demonstrators sported apparel and flags bearing a common symbol, a skull with a straw hat from the Japanese manga series One Piece, akin to youth-led movements in various countries. Thousands gathered in Antananarivo on Sunday to denounce the government, honoring a deceased CAPSAT soldier allegedly killed by the gendarmerie.
The demonstration, attended by church leaders, opposition figures including former president Marc Ravalomanana, and CAPSAT troops, unfolded peacefully. Madagascar, with a predominantly youthful population and widespread poverty, witnessed soldiers escorting protesters to May 13 Square in Antananarivo, a historically significant site. The African Union Commission urged calm and restraint, while Air France-KLM’s French division suspended flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and Antananarivo due to the security situation.