Rebellion in Madagascar: Military unit declares control over the army
Madagascar is facing a serious escalation in its ongoing political crisis, after a rebel army unit announced on Sunday that it had taken control of all military forces in the country.
President Andry Rajoelina described the situation as “an ongoing attempt to seize power illegally and by force.”
The unexpected military move came after the “Capsat” unit – a corps specializing in administrative and technical services – joined thousands of demonstrators in the capital, Antananarivo, calling for the government’s resignation. The situation recalls the 2009 uprising that paved the way for Rajoelina’s own rise to power.
Military statement
In a recorded video statement, officers from the unit declared that “all military orders, whether from land, air, or naval forces, will now be issued from Capsat headquarters.”
They also stated their refusal to obey any order to open fire on demonstrators, directly referring to recent accusations of excessive force by the gendarmerie.
The announcement followed clashes between rebel soldiers and gendarmerie forces outside a barracks, before the mutineers entered the capital in military vehicles to cheering crowds and visible public support.
President calls for unity
In response, President Rajoelina issued a statement urging “unity and the rejection of violence,” stressing that “dialogue is the only way forward and the sole solution to the crisis.” He warned that any power grab “would be unconstitutional and contrary to democratic principles.”
Admission of mistakes by the gendarmerie
In a separate video statement, several gendarmerie officers admitted to having committed “errors and violations during intervention operations,” asserting that they were “there to protect the people, not to intimidate them.” The message appeared aimed at calming public anger and preventing further division within the security forces.
The government maintained that President Rajoelina “remains in the country and continues to lead national affairs.” The newly appointed prime minister stated that the administration “remains strong, open to cooperation and dialogue.”
Social unrest as a backdrop
These developments come after more than two weeks of demonstrations triggered by widespread frustration over power and water cuts, which have evolved into mass protests – the largest since 2009.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed since protests began on September 25, while local media reported two additional deaths and 26 injuries on Saturday.
Who are the Capsat forces?
The Capsat unit is based in Soanierana, on the outskirts of Antananarivo. It is the same base that led the 2009 military rebellion which brought Rajoelina to power for the first time.
Now, history appears to be repeating itself in reverse, as Madagascar teeters on the brink of a new political vacuum and faces the risk of internal divisions within the army that could threaten the island’s fragile stability in the Indian Ocean.
