Madagascar: Military Leader Announces Coup and Assumes Power Following Widespread Protests

Reuters reported that a military commander in Madagascar announced he had taken control of the government after President Andry Rajoelina left the country, citing concerns for his safety.

The Corps of Commanding Officers of the Malagasy Army, which sided with the protesters, had earlier declared itself the supreme leadership of the armed forces, stating that all orders would henceforth be issued from its camp, identifying itself as the new source of military command.

According to local media reports, the elite military unit “CAPSAT” had previously opposed orders to open fire on demonstrators and called on other security forces to follow suit. Groups of army soldiers later joined thousands of protesters in the capital following the corps’ appeal. The demonstrations, led by the “Gen Z” movement since September 22, have continued in protest against power and water outages and with political demands for the government’s dismissal and the president’s resignation.

According to United Nations reports, the protests have so far resulted in 22 deaths and more than 100 injuries. However, Madagascar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied these figures without providing alternative official data. Meanwhile, President Rajoelina has left the country but has not formally resigned, raising questions about the legitimacy of the new authority and the nature of the transitional phase.

Madagascar has experienced a series of coups since 2009, amid widespread poverty affecting more than 80% of its population. The current events add to a long record of political crises that have shaken the country. Madagascar now faces an uncertain transition period, with the presidency rejecting the developments and the army asserting control, as observers expect possible escalation in the coming days.

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