The office of Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has declared an attempt to seize power illegally and unconstitutionally is underway in the country.
Hours later, the army unit known as CAPSAT claimed they had taken over the leadership of the military command, gaining control over all military branches - land, air, and naval forces.
This unit previously played a pivotal role during the 2009 political crisis that saw Rajoelina ascend to power.
Protests erupted in Madagascar on September 25 against power and water shortages. This unrest has swiftly escalated to reflect widespread dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's leadership amidst high unemployment and a surging cost of living.
Rajoelina stated, 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. He condemned this effort to destabilize the country and urged all key forces to unite in defending constitutional order and national sovereignty.
CAPSAT announced the appointment of a new chief of staff, General Demosthene Pikulas, via a Facebook statement.
Reports emerged of a shoot-out at the CAPSAT camp on Sunday morning following a visit by gendarmerie officials, though details remain scarce.
On Saturday, some soldiers left barracks on the outskirts of Antananarivo to join anti-government protests outside the city’s town hall.
CAPSAT criticized the security forces' excessive use of force during recent protests in Antananarivo.
Earlier, a presidential statement attempted to reassure the nation that both Rajoelina and the newly appointed Prime Minister, an army general, were managing the situation.
