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1h ago

Madagascar Soldiers Defy Orders and Join Protests as Rajoelina Decries ‘Illegal Power Grab’

A public disobedience call by CAPSAT troops highlights an emerging split in the security forces after weeks of youth-led unrest over power and water cuts.

Image
Des policiers patrouillent dans les rues d’Antananarivo lors d’une manifestation réclamant la démission du président Andry Rajoelina, le jeudi 9 octobre 2025.
Des membres d'une unité de l'armée malgache parlent à la presse près de leur camp situé près d'Antananarivo, le 11 octobre 2025
Des membres d'une unité de l'armée malgache marchent dans une rue près de leur camp situé près d'Antananarivo, le 11 octobre 2025

Overview

  • Groups of soldiers left barracks to escort thousands of demonstrators into Antananarivo’s May 13 Square after police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds.
  • In a video, CAPSAT soldiers urged the military, gendarmes and police to refuse orders to fire on protesters, told airport personnel to stop all takeoffs, and asked guards at presidential sites to abandon their posts.
  • President Andry Rajoelina said an illegal attempt to seize power is under way, while the newly appointed armed forces minister and the prime minister appealed for calm and dialogue.
  • The United Nations called on authorities to desist from unnecessary force as videos of police beatings circulated and medical groups reported injuries from rubber bullets and stun grenades.
  • Since September 25, the UN reports at least 22 deaths and about 100 injuries, figures the government disputes while asserting that 12 people were killed.