Overview

• CAPSAT soldiers escorted thousands into Antananarivo’s Place du 13 Mai and publicly urged security forces to refuse orders to shoot.
• The contingent said all army orders would now come from its headquarters and presented Gen. Demosthene Pikulas as army chief at a ceremony attended by the armed forces minister.
• Rajoelina’s office called it an illegal seizure of power and the new prime minister said the government stands firm and is ready for dialogue.
• The UN reports at least 22 deaths and about 100 injuries since Sept. 25, figures the government disputes; the gendarmerie acknowledged “faults and excesses” after clashes that a CAPSAT commander said left one soldier dead.
• Embassies and regional bodies urged restraint, with the U.S. advising shelter-in-place and Air France pausing flights as Gen Z–led protests continued.