Madagascar on Edge as Military Unit Claims Control Amid Political Power Struggle
Antananarivo, Madagascar — Tensions are mounting in Madagascar after a powerful army unit claimed it has taken control of the country’s armed forces, in what appears to be a direct challenge to President Andry Rajoelina’s leadership.
In a statement released by the presidency on Sunday, the government warned that an attempt to “seize power illegally and by force” was underway — a move it strongly condemned as unconstitutional and destabilizing.
The statement, translated from Malagasy, emphasized that the act constituted a “complete violation of the Constitution and democratic principles.” President Rajoelina urged the nation’s political and security institutions to “unite in defending national sovereignty and the rule of law.”
CAPSAT Declares Control of Armed Forces
Just hours after the presidency’s declaration, the elite CAPSAT (Camps des Spécial Forces Terrestres) military unit announced that it had assumed control of the land, air, and naval forces, declaring its leadership of the national military command structure.
In a post on its official Facebook page, CAPSAT claimed to have appointed a new Chief of Staff, General Demosthene Pikulas, further intensifying concerns of a possible coup in the Indian Ocean island nation.
The unit’s actions echo its historical role during the 2009 political crisis, when CAPSAT backed then-mayor Rajoelina in ousting President Marc Ravalomanana — ultimately propelling Rajoelina to power.
Unrest Fueled by Protests and Economic Strain
The current crisis follows weeks of escalating civil unrest. Protests began on September 25, originally sparked by worsening power and water shortages, but have since grown into a broader movement denouncing rising living costs, government corruption, and persistent unemployment.
On Saturday, witnesses reported that several soldiers left their barracks in the outskirts of Antananarivo and joined protesters gathering at the city’s town hall. Tensions flared further after a reported shootout at the camp, which reportedly took place following a visit by gendarmerie officials. No official details about the clash have been released.
CAPSAT criticized what it described as excessive use of force by security services against demonstrators in the capital, calling for an end to violence and repression.
Government Maintains Rajoelina Is in Control
Despite growing unease, the presidency issued another statement over the weekend reassuring the public that President Rajoelina and his newly appointed Prime Minister — himself a senior army general — remained firmly in control of the government and armed forces.
However, the conflicting claims between the presidency and CAPSAT have raised fears of a deepening institutional rift within the military, with the potential to plunge the country into another prolonged period of instability.
International Response
As of Sunday evening, no official response had been issued by international observers or regional bodies such as the African Union or SADC (Southern African Development Community), both of which have previously intervened in Madagascar’s political crises.
Observers warn that the situation remains fluid and could escalate rapidly if a resolution is not brokered in the coming days.
🧭 Context: A History of Political Volatility
Madagascar, a nation of over 28 million people, has a history marked by military interference in civilian governance, repeated coups, and long-standing political rivalries.
Rajoelina, first brought to power with the military’s backing in 2009, won re-election in 2018 after a controversial run-off vote. His second term has faced mounting pressure amid economic turmoil, worsened by the global pandemic and ongoing inflation.
As the political landscape grows increasingly volatile, all eyes now turn to whether Madagascar’s democratic institutions — or military power — will determine the nation’s next chapter.
