A mutinied army unit in Madagascar announced on Sunday that it had taken control of the country’s military, while president Rajoelina responded by saying that “an attempt to seize power illegally and by force” was underway and urged dialogue and unity as the only way forward. The group, known as the CAPSAT contingent, made up of administrative and technical officers, joined thousands of protesters in the capital Antananarivo on Saturday, marking a major turn in more than two weeks of anti-government demonstrations. The CAPSAT officers had earlier refused to follow orders to open fire on demonstrators and criticised the gendarmerie for using excessive force, which has led to several deaths. “From now on, all orders of the Malagasy army — land, air or naval will originate from CAPSAT headquarters,” the mutinied officers said in a video statement.The president released a statement Sunday saying “an attempt to seize power illegally and by force, contrary to the Constitution and to democratic principles, is currently underway.” “Dialogue is the only way forward and the only solution to the crisis currently facing the country,” he added.
On Saturday, soldiers from the CAPSAT unit clashed with gendarmes outside a barracks before driving into the city to join cheering protesters demanding the president’s resignation. The gendarmerie later admitted to “faults and excesses” during their operations and called for cooperation between security forces.Also read: Madagascar president fires government after Gen Z protests The protests, which began on September 25, were triggered by widespread anger over electricity and water shortages. The United Nations has reported at least 22 deaths since the unrest began, though Rajoelina has disputed the figures, saying only 12 people died and all were involved in looting. The Soanierana military base where the CAPSAT unit is based, also led a mutiny in 2009 that helped bring Rajoelina to power.
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