Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Madagascar Crisis Deepens as Lower House Moves to Oust Rajoelina and Mutinous Unit Claims Power

An elite contingent says it controls the military after siding with youth protests over power and water cuts.

Overview

  • The National Assembly voted 130–33 to remove President Andry Rajoelina for alleged abandonment of duties, a move the presidency labeled without legal basis.
  • Leaders of the CAPSAT contingent announced they now command the armed forces and installed General Demosthene Pikulas as chief of staff during a ceremony attended by the defence minister.
  • CAPSAT figures urged security services to refuse orders to shoot protesters and later insisted they were not staging a coup, saying they answered the call of the people.
  • Rajoelina’s location remains unconfirmed after he said he was in a safe place, as multiple reports said he departed on a French military aircraft via Réunion to another destination.
  • Nationwide demonstrations led largely by young people began on September 25 over electricity and water outages, with UN observers reporting at least 22 deaths.