On Sunday, Oct. 12, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina declared a coup attempt underway, as elite soldiers joined anti‑government protests.
President Declares Constitutional Crisis
President Andry Rajoelina issued a statement on Sunday, Oct. 12, saying an attempt to unlawfully seize power had been made on the country’s territory, “contrary to the constitution and democratic principles”. He called the situation “extremely serious”, denounced the “attempt at destabilisation” and urged all forces to unite to defend order. The president added that dialogue is the only way to resolve the current crisis and that any acts destroying public property harm national interests.
Elite CAPSAT Regiment Joins Protest
Radio France Internationale reported that the same day a unit of the elite CAPSAT forces announced it would take control of all military elements in Madagascar. Earlier, soldiers pledged to refuse the “order to shoot” and criticised the gendarmerie for using brutal methods against demonstrators. Reuters accounts that a CAPSAT soldier participating in the protest was killed; this unit had helped the 2009 coup that brought the current president to power.
Fatalities and Casualties
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said at least 22 people died and 100 were wounded. He noted victims included protesters, stray passers‑by shot by security forces, and others killed in later widespread acts of violence and looting by gangs linked to the protests. President Rajoelina reported 12 deaths, describing the victims as “thieves and vandals”.
Origins of the Unrest
Protests began on Sept. 25 over a crisis in water and electricity supplies and escalated into calls for President Rajoelini’s resignation, anti‑corruption measures, and radical systemic change. During this period, the government was dismissed.
