Overview
- A unit identifying as CAPSAT declared that all army orders now originate from its headquarters after previously urging troops to refuse instructions to fire on demonstrators.
- General Démosthène Pikulas was installed as army chief at a ceremony attended by the armed forces minister, while the presidency denounced an illegal attempt to seize power.
- The gendarmerie apologized for excessive force, said it will receive orders from its FIGN command, and announced a suspension of violent conduct toward civilians.
- Radio France Internationale and Reuters reported that President Andry Rajoelina left on a French military aircraft to Réunion, after which he posted a video saying he moved to a “safe place” to protect his life.
- The United Nations reports at least 22 people killed and about 100 injured since protests began on September 25, and Antananarivo’s main hospital said it treated 26 wounded on Saturday.