Madagascar Faces Attempted Coup Amid Military Defections and Ongoing Protests

Madagascar is experiencing significant political turmoil as President Andry Rajoelina announced an attempted coup following military defections and ongoing youth-led protests. The unrest, which began on September 25 over water and electricity shortages, has expanded into broader demands for Rajoelina's resignation and governmental reforms.

On October 11, members of the elite CAPSAT military unit, instrumental in Rajoelina's 2009 rise to power, joined the protests and called for the president's resignation. Addressing demonstrators from an armored vehicle, Col. Michael Randrianirina of CAPSAT stated, "Do we call this a coup? I don't know yet."

In response, President Rajoelina's office issued a statement condemning the attempt to seize power illegally and by force, urging national unity to defend constitutional order and sovereignty.

The protests, led by the group "Gen Z Madagascar," have resulted in at least 22 deaths and numerous injuries, according to United Nations reports. The government disputes these figures. Demonstrators have expanded their grievances to include issues such as poverty, the cost of living, and alleged corruption among government officials.

In an attempt to address the crisis, Rajoelina dismissed his government on September 29 and appointed a military general as the new prime minister. However, this move has not quelled the demonstrations. Civic groups and trade unions have joined the protests, leading to the enforcement of nighttime curfews in the capital, Antananarivo, and other major cities.

The African Union has called for calm, and Air France has suspended flights to Madagascar due to the instability.