CAPSAT takes over Madagascar
Madagascar is in the grip of a political crisis as President Andry Rajoelina goes into hiding and an elite military unit, CAPSAT, announces it has taken control of the country. Hundreds of protesters are demanding the government step down after weeks of unrest over corruption, worsening living standards, and frequent power and water shortages. Rajoelina said he is sheltering in a secure, undisclosed location while attempting to rally enough political support to remain in power.In a speech released online on Monday, Rajoelina insisted he would remain president. However, a dissident army unit has already broken ranks. On Tuesday, he attempted to dissolve the National Assembly as lawmakers gathered to vote on his impeachment.
Another Gen-Z protest?
The wave of demonstrations in Madagascar is similar to those youth-led movements that toppled governments in Bangladesh and Nepal. Many youngsters are frustrated by limited opportunities despite promises that their demographic surge would drive economic growth. According to the International Labour Organization, a third of people aged 15 to 24 in Nepal were not in employment, education, or training last year, with figures at 30% in Bangladesh and 21% in Indonesia. Numbers in Madagascar are even lower, with many young people working in informal jobs without stability. Protesters in Madagascar, who call themselves “Gen Z Mada,” say they were inspired by demonstrations abroad. They have flown the anime pirate flag that has appeared in Jakarta and other cities. Many cited frequent power outages, water shortages, deforestation, and worsening corruption under Rajoelina’s leadership as reasons for taking to the streets.
CAPSAT military: ‘We have taken the power’
Rajoelina initially tried to enforce a curfew and mobilise security forces to suppress the protests. But the CAPSAT military unit refused to follow orders and called on the president and other government officials to step down. The unit now claims command over Madagascar’s security services and has appointed new military and police chiefs.Rajoelina responded with a Facebook address late Monday, accusing the military of attempting a coup. “I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life,” he said.On Tuesday, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of CAPSAT, announced on national radio, “We have taken the power.” The military is dissolving all institutions except the lower house of parliament, which earlier voted overwhelmingly to impeach Rajoelina. CAPSAT said it will set up a committee made up of officers from the army, gendarmerie, and national police. “Perhaps in time it will include senior civilian advisers. It is this committee that will carry out the work of the presidency,” Randrianirina said. “At the same time, after a few days, we will set up a civilian government.”
Which institutions were axed?
The military has suspended the country’s Senate, high constitutional court, electoral body, and other state institutions. Meanwhile, 130 members of parliament voted in favour of impeaching Rajoelina, well above the two-thirds constitutional threshold required. The High Constitutional Court still has to validate the vote, but the presidency called the assembly meeting unconstitutional and any resolution “null and void” after Rajoelina dissolved the National Assembly.CAPSAT was instrumental in Rajoelina’s rise to power during the 2009 coup that ousted former President Marc Ravalomanana. The unit’s decision to side with protesters has majorly shifted the balance of power in Madagascar.
Rajoelina remains defiant
Despite the pressure, Rajoelina has continued to reject claims that he is fleeing or resigning. In a live broadcast, he said he was sheltering in a “safe place” following what he described as a “plot prepared for several weeks to attempt his life.” Rajoelina has urged political leaders and civil society to “preserve national unity and peace.” He warned that trying to solve the crisis outside the constitution could put development projects and foreign aid at risk.Meanwhile, protests have continued, with thousands of citizens and members of the armed forces demanding Rajoelina’s departure. Opposition figures, including former President Marc Ravalomanana, have lent their support to the movement.The African Union has urged restraint, warning soldiers to “refrain from meddling” in Madagascar’s political affairs and rejecting “any attempt at unconstitutional changes of government.” Go to Source