Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has accused elements within the military of plotting to seize power illegally, after soldiers joined weeks-long youth-led protests demanding his resignation.
Tensions escalated on Saturday when CAPSAT, an elite army unit, joined demonstrators in the capital. The unit denounced the use of force against civilians and called on fellow soldiers to defy orders to fire on protesters. Their arrival was met with loud cheers from the crowd, which has clashed repeatedly with security forces in recent days.
CAPSAT played a pivotal role in the 2009 coup that first brought Mr Rajoelina to power. He later won a democratic election in 2018, served a full term, and was re-elected in 2023.
As protests intensified, the presidency released a statement on Sunday alleging that “an attempt to take power by force” was underway. Mr Rajoelina condemned the move, urging dialogue as “the only way out” of the crisis.
But hours later, CAPSAT announced it had taken control of the country’s entire armed forces – including land, air, and naval units and named General Demosthene Pikulas as its new chief of staff.
The development marks the most serious challenge to Mr Rajoelina’s rule since his re-election. In a bid to calm the unrest, the president has dissolved his cabinet and appointed a new prime minister.
However, the move has done little to quell public anger, as thousands continue to march through the streets calling for his resignation.