Madagascar warns of coup attempt as soldiers join protests

Madagascar protesters, 2025 (Photo: REUTERS)

Madagascar is in the midst of a political upheaval as President Andry Rajoelina faces a significant challenge to his authority. The crisis began in late September with youth-led protests, organised by the Gen Z Madagascar movement, demanding improvements in basic services like electricity and water. These demonstrations escalated over time, fueled by widespread frustration over corruption and governance issues.

The situation intensified on 11 October when the elite military unit CAPSAT, which played a pivotal role in Rajoelina’s rise to power in 2009, joined the protests. According to Reuters, CAPSAT soldiers declared their allegiance to the demonstrators and appointed General Demosthene Pikulas as the new army chief, signaling a shift in military loyalty. The gendarmerie, led by General Nonos Mbina Mamelison, also sided with the protesters, further undermining the government’s position.

In response, President Rajoelina, according to The Guardian, warned of an attempted coup and announced plans to address the nation. However, reports indicate that he fled the country aboard a French military aircraft, possibly en route to Dubai, after losing support from key military units.

The unrest has resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to the United Nations. Despite government offers for dialogue, the Gen Z Madagascar movement has refused to engage, demanding Rajoelina’s resignation and the dissolution of key political institutions.

President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar (Photo: Siphiwe Sibeko/REUTERS)

 

President Rajoelina is reported to have fled the country on a French military aircraft, hours before he was scheduled to address the people. French state radio RFI reported on Monday that he, who also has French citizenship, had been flown out of the capital, Antananarivo, after a deal with President Emmanuel Macron. It added that he may have headed for Dubai.

He had been due to speak to the nation at 7 pm (1600 GMT), according to a statement from the presidency on Facebook.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation has meanwhile called for calm and restraint from all parties, urging dialogue to prevent further violence. Department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said Pretoria is monitoring the situation closely and supports peaceful, constitutional solutions to Madagascar’s political crisis.

The African Union has also called for calm, and international airlines have suspended flights due to the instability. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing protests and a power vacuum in the capital, Antananarivo.