Madagascar is facing a deepening political crisis as an elite military unit, CAPSAT, has turned against President Andry Rajoelina, demanding his resignation in what appears to be an attempted coup. The unit, which previously supported Rajoelina’s rise to power in 2009, has taken control of the armed forces and appointed a new military leader, a move accepted by the defense minister. This escalation follows weeks of deadly anti-government protests, initially sparked by youth groups over water and electricity shortages but now encompassing broader grievances such as poverty, corruption, and the high cost of living. President Rajoelina, whose current whereabouts remain unknown, was scheduled to address the nation on state television, but his office has not confirmed if he is still in the country. Reports suggest he may have fled amid the unrest. The U.S. Embassy has advised American citizens to shelter in place due to the volatile situation, while the African Union has called for calm and restraint. The protests, led by the group ‘Gen Z Madagascar,’ have resulted in at least 22 deaths and widespread injuries, according to the United Nations, though the government disputes these figures. The crisis marks the most significant unrest in Madagascar in years, with curfews imposed in major cities and the nation’s political future hanging in the balance.
Madagascar president to make a speech after soldiers turned against the government in apparent coup
