Madagascar’s presidency said on Sunday an “attempted illegal and forcible seizure of power” was under way, offering no evidence, a day after members of an elite military unit joined a youth-led protest movement that has roiled the capital since late September.
Soldiers from the CAPSAT unit — which helped propel Andry Rajoelina to power in 2009 — marched with demonstrators and urged troops to disobey orders, escorting protesters into Antananarivo’s symbolic May 13 Square on Saturday in the most serious challenge to Rajoelina’s rule since his 2023 re-election.
Prime Minister Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo appealed for calm and said the government would open dialogue with youth leaders, unions and the security forces. The presidency denied rumours that Rajoelina had fled and said he remained in the country directing affairs.
The protests began on Sept. 25 over water and electricity shortages and have broadened into calls for Rajoelina to resign and for dissolving key institutions. The United Nations has reported at least 22 dead and 100 injured during the unrest — a figure the government disputes. Newly appointed officials have criticised both heavy-handed policing and violence by some protesters.
In Sunday’s statement, the presidency did not name alleged plotters or provide corroboration. Independent outlets reported no confirmed attempts to seize state broadcasters or key installations, though tensions remained high after portions of the military signalled sympathy with protesters.
The opposition and protest organisers have framed the movement as a push for accountability and services rather than a power grab, while activists warned against any return to military intervention in politics.