Madagascar’s President Alerts Nation to “Attempted Coup”
Elite army unit joins protests as Andry Rajoelina urges national unity to defend constitutional order
Madagascar, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has warned that an attempted coup is underway, following a declaration by an elite military unit siding with mass protests calling for his resignation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the presidential office condemned the development as a direct violation of the constitution and democratic principles, urging all “national forces” to rally in defense of state institutions and national sovereignty.
The president has faced growing pressure amid weeks of unrest, led predominantly by youth groups angered by recurring power and water shortages. What began as economic grievances has now evolved into a broader anti-government movement.
Military Defections Deepen Political Crisis
On Saturday, soldiers from CAPSAT – the same army unit that played a central role in bringing Rajoelina to power during the 2009 coup – publicly called on other forces to disobey government orders and join the uprising.
The escalation follows widespread speculation on social media that Rajoelina had fled the country. His office later refuted the claims, stating that both the president and the prime minister remained “fully in control of the nation’s affairs.” However, Rajoelina’s exact whereabouts have not been disclosed.
In late September, under mounting public pressure, Rajoelina dissolved his government and appointed Army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new prime minister in a bid to ease tensions.
Youth-Led Unrest Escalates, Casualties Mount
The protests, which began on September 25 under the movement known as Gen Z Madagascar, have drawn thousands to the streets of the capital Antananarivo and other cities.
Authorities have responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, curfews, and roadblocks, but the demonstrations continue to intensify. According to UN figures, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in the first five days of unrest.
Rajoelina, who initially rose to power in a 2009 coup, had returned to the presidency after winning the 2018 election and securing re-election in 2023. He campaigned on promises to industrialize Madagascar and improve essential services.
Today, his leadership faces its most severe challenge yet — a nation at the brink, divided between calls for reform and fears of another military takeover. (PW)