Madagascar's President Warns of Ongoing Attempt to Seize Power Illegally

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has expressed concern over an ongoing attempt to seize power illegally and by force in the country. The situation unfolded after soldiers from the military unit, CAPSAT, declared a mutiny and refused to fire on protesters in the capital, Antananarivo. This incident recalls the 2009 mutiny by the same unit, which paved the way for Rajoelina's rise to power. The protests have resulted in the deaths of 22 people and the injury of over 100 since late September.

Key Takeaways:

• President Andry Rajoelina has warned of an ongoing attempt to seize power illegally and by force in Madagascar, contradicting the country's constitution and democratic principles.
• The situation unfolded after soldiers from the CAPSAT military unit declared a mutiny and refused to fire on protesters in the capital, Antananarivo.
• The protests have been led by the Generation Z movement, protesting against service failures and demanding the regime's downfall, with members of the armed forces joining the cause.
• The incident recalls the 2009 mutiny by the same unit, which led to Rajoelina's rise to power as president.
• The new Prime Minister, Rufin Zafisamba, has affirmed that his government is open to dialogue with all political and social forces.
• The protests have resulted in the deaths of 22 people and the injury of over 100 since late September.

Statistics:

• 22 people have been killed in protests since late September.
• Over 100 people have been injured in protests since late September.
• The protests have been led by the Generation Z movement, with members of the armed forces joining the cause.
• The 2009 mutiny by the CAPSAT unit paved the way for President Andry Rajoelina's rise to power.

Sources:

• KUNA (2020) - "Madagascar's President Warns of Ongoing Attempt to Seize Power Illegally".