Madagascar faces attempted coup as military joins protests
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina announced on Sunday that an attempted coup was underway, following a day of protests where members of the elite CAPSAT army unit joined youth-led demonstrations calling for his resignation. Although the streets were calm, there was a heavy military presence.
Col. Michael Randrianirina, a CAPSAT commander, denied a coup had occurred but claimed the unit had taken control of the military and appointed Gen. Demosthene Pikulas as the new leader. The unrest, which has been ongoing for three weeks, has left at least 22 dead and many injured.
Rajoelina’s office condemned the attempt to seize power and called for unity to defend national sovereignty. The protests, sparked by dissatisfaction with government policies, have grown into calls for the president’s resignation over issues like poverty, corruption, and economic hardship.
