Madagascar’s President Warns of Ongoing Coup Attempt After Army Unit Backs Protests

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has warned that an illegal attempt to seize power is currently underway, following moves by an army unit to side with anti-government protesters.

In a statement released on Sunday, the presidency said: “There is an attempt to seize power at this time in the territory of the Republic, in complete violation of the Constitution and democratic principles.”

The development comes a day after troops from the Army Personnel Administration Center (CAPSAT)—a unit that played a key role in Rajoelina’s 2009 rise to power—declared their support for anti-government demonstrations that began last month.

“This country is facing a collapse of basic services. Security forces must not follow blindly unlawful orders,” the soldiers said in a video message on Saturday.

On Sunday, CAPSAT officers released another video announcing that they would assume control of the entire armed forces, declaring that “all orders of the Malagasy army – whether land, air, or navy – will now originate from CAPSAT headquarters.”

President Rajoelina’s office condemned the move as an “attempted illegal and forcible seizure of power” aimed at destabilizing the nation, calling on citizens and institutions to defend constitutional order and national sovereignty.

The African Union Commission (AUC) also expressed concern over the unfolding events. In a statement posted on X, AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged all Malagasy parties to show restraint and uphold peace, stability, and respect for the Constitution.

Protests against Rajoelina’s government have been ongoing for three weeks, beginning with public anger over water and electricity shortages but escalating into widespread calls for the president’s resignation.