Madagascar in Chaos! President Claims Coup Attempt as Elite Troops Join Protests

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happening:

• President Rajoelina has officially stated that a coup attempt is in progress.
• Elite CAPSAT unit soldiers have joined anti-government demonstrations.
• A commander of the CAPSAT unit denied a coup but claimed control of armed forces and appointed a new military leader.
• Madagascar has experienced three weeks of significant unrest, with protests escalating.
• The United Nations reports at least 22 deaths during the demonstrations, though the government disputes this figure.
• The protests, initially about utilities, have broadened to include issues like poverty and corruption.

Elite Soldiers Side with Protesters

The situation in Madagascar has taken a shocking turn, with President Andry Rajoelina’s office announcing that a coup attempt is underway. This declaration came shortly after soldiers from the elite CAPSAT unit, a force that played a crucial role in bringing Rajoelina to power in 2009, joined the growing anti-government protests. These protests, spearheaded by a youth movement calling themselves “Gen Z Madagascar,” have rocked the Indian Ocean island nation for weeks.

Conflicting Reports Emerge

While the President’s office insists a coup is in motion, the waters are somewhat muddied by statements from military figures. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a commander within the CAPSAT unit, downplayed the idea of a coup but asserted that his unit had taken control of all of Madagascar’s armed forces. He even announced the appointment of a new military leader, General Demosthene Pikulas. “We responded to the people’s call,” Randrianirina stated, suggesting their actions were in response to public demand. General Pikulas, however, was less forthcoming about specific demands, like Rajoelina’s resignation.

A Nation on Edge

Madagascar, a nation of over 31 million people off the eastern coast of Africa, has a history punctuated by political instability and coups since gaining independence from France in 1960. The current unrest, which began around September 25th, has escalated significantly. The United Nations has voiced concerns, reporting at least 22 people dead and many more injured, although the government’s figures differ. The protests, initially triggered by issues like power and water outages, have rapidly morphed into a wider expression of discontent concerning poverty, the rising cost of living, and alleged corruption within government circles.

Protests Sparked by Utilities, Now Wider Discontent

What started as a protest against basic service failures has blossomed into a full-blown challenge to President Rajoelina’s leadership. Young activists, inspired by similar movements across the globe, have effectively used the internet to mobilize support. Their list of grievances is long, including:

• Poor access to tertiary education.
• Widespread poverty and economic hardship.
• Allegations of graft and embezzlement by government officials and their associates.

The situation has drawn international attention, with the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar advising American citizens to stay indoors due to the volatile environment. The African Union has called for calm and restraint from all parties involved.

Government’s Response and Continued Unrest

In an attempt to quell the escalating protests, President Rajoelina dismissed his entire government, including the prime minister, on September 29th. This move, however, did not satisfy the protesters, who have continued their demonstrations. The heavy-handed response from security forces in the early stages of the protests has been criticized by the UN, which highlighted that many of the casualties were among peaceful demonstrators.

Historical Context: Rajoelina’s Rise and Past Instability

It’s worth noting that the CAPSAT unit’s involvement is particularly significant. This is the same unit that was instrumental in the 2009 military-backed coup that propelled Rajoelina into power as the head of a transitional government. Rajoelina, who first gained prominence in politics following that coup, was later elected president in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, though those elections faced a boycott from opposition parties. The country’s political landscape has been marked by such shifts, making the current events particularly resonant.

As Madagascar navigates this complex political crisis, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution and a return to stability. The actions of the military, the resolve of the protesters, and the decisions of President Rajoelina will shape the future of this strategically important African nation.

About The Author

Kayode Nwankwo

Kayode actively participates in workshops and seminars focusing on public health and environmental protection. He collaborates with NGOs and governmental agencies to promote initiatives that support sustainable practices and improve healthcare access in underserved areas.He mentors young journalists interested in science and health reporting, stressing the need for in-depth knowledge and a strong ethical approach.