The office of Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has stated that an attempt to seize power illegally and by force is currently underway in the country.
In a concerning turn of events, an army unit known as CAPSAT claimed responsibility for taking over military command, asserting control over all armed forces—land, air, and naval. This same unit significantly impacted the 2009 political crisis that ultimately brought Rajoelina to power.
Initially sparked on September 25 by youth-led protests against water and power shortages, the demonstrations have broadened to express widespread discontent with Rajoelina’s administration—primarily fueled by high unemployment, rampant corruption, and a severe cost-of-living crisis.
Rajoelina's location remains unknown, but he issued a statement condemning the actions against the constitutional order, urging national forces to defend the Republic against this purported coup. His subsequent address to the nation is highly anticipated, especially given the recent upsurge in tensions and protests in the capital.
As of Monday morning, the protests seem to have receded somewhat, with many shops and markets in Antananarivo reopening. Protesters have successfully reached the focal point of previous uprisings, May 13 Square. A demonstrator expressed a sense of victory: 'We're happy and relieved. It's a great victory. We won't stop the struggle until President Rajoelina resigns.'
The demonstrators' success was bolstered by unexpected support from CAPSAT troops, some of whom abandoned their barracks to back the protest movement while actively condemning violence against civilians.
Air France has temporarily suspended flights to Antananarivo amid security concerns, and the African Union has urged a peaceful resolution to the escalating crisis, reflecting the situation's gravity. The protest movement, identified as Gen Z Mada, significantly relies on social media to engage supporters and mobilize dissent against Rajoelina's government.
Additionally, the death toll from the unrest has been contested, with figures varying between officials and human rights advocates. Despite its rich natural resources, Madagascar is grappling with severe poverty, exacerbated by energy scarcity, which only one-third of its population can access.
