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9h ago

Madagascar Soldiers Join Protests After CAPSAT Urges Forces to Refuse Orders to Shoot

A public call to disobey orders by troops from the CAPSAT base signals a rare rift within Madagascar’s security forces.

Image
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
Des membres d'une unité de l'armée malgache se tiennent dans la rue près de leur camp situé près d'Antananarivo, le 11 octobre 2025

Overview

  • Groups of soldiers escorted thousands of demonstrators into Antananarivo’s May 13 Square for the first time since the youth-led unrest began on September 25.
  • In a video, soldiers from the Soanierana-based CAPSAT unit urged military, gendarmes and police to refuse orders to fire, leave posts at presidential sites, and block departures at the Ivato airport, with the number joining still unclear.
  • The new defence minister and the army chief called for calm and dialogue, and Prime Minister Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo said the government is ready to engage with youth, unions and military factions.
  • The UN urged restraint and reports at least 22 dead and about 100 injured since late September, figures President Andry Rajoelina disputes, citing 12 deaths and blaming looters.
  • Air France suspended flights to Madagascar on Saturday as authorities countered online rumors by stating the president remains in the country overseeing affairs.