Madagascar's President Accuses Military of Illicit Power Grab Amid Elite Unit Deployment

MADAGASCAR'S PRESIDENT SAYS ILLEGAL POWER GRAB BY MILITARY IS UNDER WAY ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar - In a dramatic turn of events, Madagascar's president Andry Rajoelina on Sunday accused the military of attempting to seize power illegally and by force. The move comes as an elite military unit, Capsat, announced it was taking over the army after joining protesters on the streets. According to eyewitnesses, soldiers from the Capsat unit gathered with protesters in the capital city of Antananarivo, announcing they would refuse any orders to shoot demonstrators. This development marks a significant escalation of the ongoing protests that began on September 25 against water and electricity shortages. President Rajoelina, who has been at the center of the controversy, released a statement Sunday morning saying he was in the country managing national affairs. However, his assertion has been met with skepticism by many, including opposition leaders who have long accused him of authoritarian tendencies. The newly appointed prime minister, Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, had earlier stated on state television that the government would not engage in violence against protesters. However, the Capsat unit's decision to join the protests and take control of the army has raised questions about who is truly in charge. Background context shows that the youth-led protests have been ongoing for weeks, with demonstrators calling for Rajoelina's resignation, an end to corruption, and a radical overhaul of the political system. The protesters' demands have been met with a mix of repression and concessions by the government, leading to widespread discontent among the population. Additional perspectives come from opposition leaders who have long accused Rajoelina of authoritarianism and mismanagement. "This is not a surprise," said one opposition leader, who wished to remain anonymous. "The president has been trying to silence dissent for months. It's only a matter of time before he tries to take control by force." As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear what the next developments will be. The international community has called for calm and restraint, with several countries urging both sides to engage in dialogue. In a statement, the African Union said it was "concerned about the deteriorating security situation" and urged all parties to respect human rights and the rule of law. The European Union also issued a statement calling on the government to respect protesters' rights and engage in constructive dialogue. The situation in Madagascar remains volatile, with many wondering what the future holds for this island nation. One thing is certain: the power struggle between Rajoelina and the military will continue to dominate headlines in the coming days. *Reporting by Theguardian.*