Overview
- President Andry Rajoelina dissolved the National Assembly by decree, according to a document posted on his administration’s official Facebook page reported by Reuters.
- CAPSAT, the elite army unit that joined the protests, says it now commands the armed forces and has named General Demosthene Pikulas as the new army chief of staff.
- Rajoelina denounced what he called an unlawful attempt to seize power and confirmed he relocated to a safe location, with multiple reports indicating he departed the country, including accounts of a French military evacuation flight.
- The United Nations cites at least 22 deaths since youth-led demonstrations began on September 25 over utility failures and broader grievances, a toll the government disputes.
- Executive authority remains contested as military figures assert control, opposition figures discuss impeachment efforts, and a planned presidential address was delayed after threats to seize state media were reported.