Madagascar Army Unit Sides with Anti-Government Protests

Madagascar's anti-government protests continued to intensify last weekend, with an army unit siding with the demonstrators, marking a significant escalation in the crisis. The soldiers, from the Capsat contingent, joined thousands of protesters in the capital, Antananarivo, where they welcomed the troops with jubilation. The unit, which played a major role in the 2009 coup that brought President Andry Rajoelina to power, declared its refusal to carry out orders to shoot at demonstrators. The crisis began on September 25, with protests initially focused on chronic power and water cuts, but soon developing into a broader anti-government movement demanding Rajoelina's resignation.

Key Takeaways:

• The Capsat contingent, comprising around 1,000 soldiers, joined anti-government protesters in the capital, Antananarivo, for the second day in a row.
• The unit declared its refusal to carry out orders to shoot at demonstrators, signaling a significant shift in the army's stance.
• General Demosthene Pikulas was installed as the new Chief of the Army Staff, with the armed forces minister, Manantsoa Deramasinjaka Rakotoarivelo, attending the ceremony.
• The minister, appointed by Rajoelina last week, stated that Pikulas had his blessing and would work to restore calm and peace throughout Madagascar.
• President Rajoelina denounced the action as an attempt to seize power illegally, calling for dialogue as the only solution to the crisis.
• The UN reported at least 22 people killed in the first days of the protests, while Rajoelina disputed the toll, claiming only 12 confirmed deaths.
• Large crowds gathered outside the Antananarivo city hall for prayers in memory of the victims, including a Capsat soldier killed in a clash with gendarmes.

Statistics:

• At least 22 people were killed in the first days of the protests, according to the UN (Source: AFP).
• Rajoelina disputed the toll, stating only 12 confirmed deaths, which were described as looters and vandals (Source: AFP).
• Over 1,000 soldiers from the Capsat contingent joined anti-government protesters in the capital (Source: AFP).
• The Capsat unit declared its refusal to carry out orders to shoot at demonstrators (Source: AFP).

Sources:

• AFP: "Madagascar protesters – Live updates" (no date).
• AFP: "Madagascar army – Live updates" (no date).
• "Madagascar crisis: 22 killed, thousands rally – Videos & Photos" (AFP, no date).