ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — President Andry Rajoelina confirmed on Sunday that an attempted coup is underway in Madagascar, a day after elite army officers joined massive youth-led protests calling for his resignation in what has become the most serious political crisis to grip the island nation in over a decade.
In a statement released from the presidential palace, Rajoelina’s office said it “wishes to inform the nation and the international community that an attempt to seize power illegally and by force has been initiated.” The president condemned what he called a “grave act of destabilisation” and urged citizens and security forces to “unite in defence of constitutional order and national sovereignty.”
The situation escalated dramatically on Saturday when members of the elite CAPSAT military unit, a key division of the army, joined thousands of protesters in Antananarivo, demanding that Rajoelina and senior government officials step down. Addressing the crowds from atop an armoured vehicle, Col. Michael Randrianirina, one of the unit’s commanders, told demonstrators, “Do we call this a coup? I don’t know yet.”
Protests Sweep the Nation
The unrest, now entering its third week, began on September 25 as small demonstrations over power and water shortages. But they have since grown into a nationwide movement, led by a group calling itself “Gen Z Madagascar.” The movement, composed mostly of young activists, accuses the government of corruption, nepotism, and economic mismanagement.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and dozens injured since the protests began. The government disputes that figure but has acknowledged “isolated incidents of violence.”
Madagascar, a resource-rich island nation of 31 million people, has a history of political volatility. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, it has experienced multiple coups — including the 2009 military-backed takeover that brought Rajoelina, then a youthful mayor of Antananarivo, to power. Ironically, the same CAPSAT unit that now stands against him played a decisive role in that coup.
Rajoelina’s Political Struggles Deepen
Rajoelina, 50, was first elected president in 2018 and won a second term in 2023 in a vote boycotted by the main opposition parties, which alleged irregularities. Since then, discontent has surged amid rising inflation, energy shortages, and public-sector scandals involving senior officials.
Last month, in a bid to quell growing anger, Rajoelina dismissed his entire government, including the prime minister, on September 29. But his decision to replace them with military figures, rather than technocrats or civilian reformers, appears to have deepened public frustration.
“People are fed up with empty promises,” said Ravelo Andriamanana, a 26-year-old university student and one of the organisers of the youth-led protests. “We want a government that listens to us, not generals who defend their privileges.”
Gen Z Mobilisation and Global Inspiration
The Gen Z Madagascar movement has effectively harnessed social media to organise marches, stream protests live, and raise funds online. The group’s official website and GoFundMe campaign cite inspiration from youth-led uprisings that toppled governments in Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Civic groups, labour unions, and opposition figures have since joined the protests, which have triggered nighttime curfews in Antananarivo and other major cities as the government seeks to contain the unrest.
Uncertain Future for Madagascar
International observers warn that the unfolding crisis could spiral into violence if dialogue is not urgently initiated. Regional blocs, including the African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC), are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
Political analysts say the involvement of CAPSAT — historically one of the most powerful units in the Malagasy military — marks a dangerous turning point. “When the same forces that once brought a president to power now turn against him, it signals a complete breakdown of trust between the military and the political leadership,” said a regional security analyst based in Nairobi.
As of late Sunday, the situation in Antananarivo remained tense, with military vehicles patrolling the streets and crowds continuing to gather near key government buildings.
Rajoelina’s office said the president remains “in full control” and continues to coordinate “efforts to restore calm and stability.”
However, with divisions deepening between the army and the presidency — and a restless generation demanding change — Madagascar appears to be standing once again on the edge of political upheaval.
— Additional reporting by Associated Press (AP)
