Madagascar Army’s Special Unit Seizes Power
An officer from Madagascar’s military announced on Tuesday that the army has assumed control of the country, according to webangah News Agency’s English section citing Mehr News Agency and Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, Agence France-Presse reported that a special military unit in Madagascar (CAPSAT) declared it seized power after Parliament dismissed President Andry Rajoelina.
Anatolia News Agency added that President Rajoelina had dissolved Parliament amid weeks of youth protests over water and electricity shortages as well as government corruption.
A source within the military, a foreign diplomat, and opposition leader Siteni Radrianasoloniako told Reuters that following anti-government demonstrations, President Rajoelina fled to an undisclosed location after segments of the army joined protesters.
The protests began on September 25 in response to persistent water and power cuts. They quickly escalated into widespread demonstrations focused on economic issues, rising living costs, poverty, and state corruption. Protesters demanded Rajoelina’s resignation.
French President Emmanuel Macron had previously expressed concern over developments in this former Paris colony.
The United Nations reported at least 22 people where killed during clashes between protesters and security forces amid ongoing unrest in Madagascar.
