ANTANANARIVO (Realist English). Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina announced Sunday that an attempted coup was underway, following weeks of anti-government protests and a dramatic defection by members of an elite army unit.
In a statement, Rajoelina’s office said that “an attempt to seize power illegally and by force” had been initiated, urging “all forces of the nation to unite in defense of constitutional order and national sovereignty.” The president’s whereabouts were not immediately known.
The claim came just a day after soldiers from the elite CAPSAT unit — the same force that helped Rajoelina seize power in a 2009 coup — joined demonstrators in the capital, Antananarivo, demanding that the president and his government step down.
Elite unit declares control
Col. Michael Randrianirina, a CAPSAT commander, denied staging a coup but said his forces had “responded to the people’s call.” The unit declared it had taken control of all of Madagascar’s armed forces and appointed Gen. Demosthene Pikulas as the new head of the military.
Speaking to reporters, Randrianirina said his troops had clashed with security forces trying to disperse the crowds, resulting in one soldier’s death. Addressing protesters from an armored vehicle, he declared that Rajoelina, his new prime minister, and top security officials “must leave power.”
Asked if the events constituted a coup, Randrianirina replied: “Do we call this a coup? I don’t know yet.”
Unrest fueled by Gen Z movement
The crisis follows three weeks of unrest led by a youth movement calling itself “Gen Z Madagascar.” The protests began over power and water shortages but have since expanded to include grievances about poverty, corruption, and the rising cost of living.
The United Nations says at least 22 people have been killed and dozens injured since demonstrations began on September 25, though the government disputes those figures. The African Union has urged all sides to exercise restraint, while the U.S. Embassy advised citizens to shelter in place amid a “highly volatile” situation.
Rajoelina, 51, first rose to power after the 2009 coup that ousted then-president Marc Ravalomanana. He was later elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023 in a vote boycotted by opposition parties. His popularity has eroded amid worsening economic hardship and accusations of corruption.
Last month, in an attempt to calm tensions, Rajoelina dismissed his entire government, including the prime minister — a move that failed to appease protesters.
As the situation unfolded Sunday, a heavy military presence was visible across Antananarivo, though no major violence was reported. With rival factions claiming authority, Madagascar — a nation of 31 million — faces yet another chapter of political instability in its post-independence history.
