Madagascar President Alleges Attempted Coup Amidst Growing Protests
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar has alleged an attempted coup is underway, following escalations in anti-government protests, with elite troops from the CAPSAT unit and a part of the Malagasy army joining the youth-led demonstrations. Rajoelina has described the current situation as an attempt to seize power illegally and by force
(The Guardian, Al Jazeera English).
Background and Context
The unrest began in late September, sparked by youth-led protests over utilities, specifically power and water shortages (Al Jazeera English, The Guardian). This movement, often referred to as the 'Gen Z' movement, has since swelled into calls for Rajoelina's resignation, an end to corruption, and a radical overhaul of the political system.
Key Developments
An army unit has proclaimed control over the military command and all armed forces, aligning themselves with the protesters (BBC News, South China Morning Post). The CAPSAT unit, which helped Rajoelina seize power in a 2009 coup, has called on fellow soldiers to disregard orders and support the protests (The Hindu).
This aligning of military forces with the protesters has led to a significant shift in the ongoing anti-government protest movement. The administrative and technical officers, known as Capsat, joined the protests in Antananarivo, the capital city, on Saturday, further escalating the situation (South China Morning Post).
Reactions and Implications
In response to the events, the presidential administration stated that the development contradicts the constitution and democratic principles,
calling for unity in defense of the constitutional order and national sovereignty (RT (Russia Today)). The Orange portal echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the only way out of the current crisis is through dialogue
(TASS).
The attempted coup and the involvement of the military in the protests have amplified the political instability in Madagascar. The president's office has claimed the situation as an attempted illegal and forcible seizure of power
(Daily Nation).
Current Status
Despite the president's claims of an attempted coup, the situation remains volatile. The CAPSAT unit and other military personnel continue to rally alongside the protesters, escalating the unrest. The president's attempts to defuse tensions have been rejected by the 'Gen Z' anti-government protesters, leading to police responses involving tear gas and rubber bullets (Al Jazeera English).
As of now, the president maintains that an illegal and forcible attempt to seize power is ongoing in Madagascar, even as the protests and unrest continue to grow (AllAfrica.com, Sky News world).