Andry Rajoelina, the president of Madagascar, declared on Sunday that an attempted coup was taking place in the Indian Ocean nation after CAPSAT, an elite army unit, took control of the military and demanded the president’s resignation in response to anti-government demonstrations. He “wishes to inform the nation and the international community that an attempt to seize power illegally and by force” has been “initiated,” according to a statement from Rajoelina’s office.
Given the seriousness of the situation, the president’s office strongly denounces this attempt at destabilization and urges all national forces to come together in support of national sovereignty and constitutional order.
An officer chosen by a military organization that backs protesters demanding that President Andry Rajoelina step down as the nation’s new army head was recognized by Madagascar’s minister of armed forces on Sunday.
Manantsoa Deramasinjaka Rakotoarivelo, Minister of Armed Forces, was present at the ceremony at army headquarters where General Demosthene Pikulas was named Chief of the Army Staff.A group identifying as “Gen Z Madagascar” is spearheading the protests, which the UN reports have resulted in at least 22 fatalities and numerous injuries.
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