Madagascar’s CAPSAT Military Unit Seizes Control of Army in Coup Attempt Against President Rajoelina

Soldiers from Madagascar’s elite CAPSAT unit publicly declared they were taking control of the army amid weeks of youth-led protests.

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The Canberra Times

They refused to fire on demonstrators and joined crowds in Antananarivo.

The Canberra Times

Multiple outlets report CAPSAT’s claim that military orders would be issued from its command.

The protests began on September 25 over power and water shortages and expanded into broader demands for President Andry Rajoelina’s resignation.

The UN has recorded at least 22 deaths since the unrest began, a figure the president disputes.

Rajoelina has condemned the move as an illegal attempt to seize power.

Several sources note that CAPSAT previously helped bring Rajoelina to power in 2009, underscoring the gravity of the current challenge to his rule.

Power and command claims quickly became contested.

CAPSAT named General Demosthene Pikulas as head of the army, with some reports noting a ceremony attended by the armed forces minister and others stressing that the appointment’s legality is unclear.

NDTV

DW further reports the government itself appointed Pikulas, even as CAPSAT insisted all orders would come from its base.

Confusion deepened as eNCA reported that, according to CAPSAT statements, all orders would now come from gendarmerie headquarters.

Multiple outlets described parts of the gendarmerie breaking ranks and coordinating with CAPSAT.

The protest movement, led by the loosely organized Gen Z Madagascar, has expanded from addressing outages to demanding reform and accountability.

“Some troops joined protesters in the capital on Saturday The office of Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has said an attempt to seize power illegally and by force is under way in the country”

BBC

The movement has attracted support from civic groups and trade unions, leading to the implementation of curfews.

Media coverage varies, with some reports focusing on youth inspirations abroad and grassroots organization.

Other reports emphasize violence and disputed casualty figures.

Several outlets also highlight security force abuses and the death of a soldier during clashes.

These events have further fueled public anger and concerns about potential escalation.

International and domestic responses reflect uncertainty and appeals for restraint.

The US embassy advised people to shelter in place as the African Union and regional actors urged calm.

The Zimbabwe Mail

Some outlets said Rajoelina’s whereabouts were unclear, even as others reported the government insists he remains in the country and in control.

Meanwhile, official military leadership’s silence in some reports contrasts with accounts of government moves and CAPSAT declarations, underscoring an unsettled command picture.

The crisis is unfolding against a history of coups and instability.

“Sarah Tetaud And Gerald Imray Associated Press Alexander Joe Police patrol the streets during a protest calling for the president to step down in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Thursday, Oct”

WKMG

CAPSAT helped bring Rajoelina to power in 2009.

WKMG

Many outlets now describe the moment as an 'attempted coup' or 'attempted power grab.'

Others go further, with one outlet asserting a full military coup and a new de facto regime.

Unique local details, such as the Senate dismissing its president, show how the turmoil is rippling across institutions.

Even within the military, some voices question whether the situation qualifies as a coup.