Overview

• Capsat soldiers joined protesters in Antananarivo after police fired tear gas and stun grenades, vowing to refuse orders to shoot and urging disobedience across the military, gendarmerie and police.
• In a video statement, Capsat officers said all land, air and sea orders would now issue from their headquarters and named Gen. Demosthene Pikulas as army chief.
• The presidency condemned the move as an illegal power grab as Defense Minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo appealed for calm and dialogue.
• Gen Z–led demonstrations that began on September 25 over prolonged power cuts and water shortages have left at least 22 dead and more than 100 injured, according to the UN, figures the government disputes.
• President Andry Rajoelina’s location was unconfirmed on Sunday, foreign governments warned of an unpredictable security environment, and the gendarmerie’s separate command adds uncertainty over security-force loyalties.