Madagascar Army Claims Control; President Warns of Power Grab!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

A key military unit in Madagascar has said it is taking command of the country’s armed forces, escalating a political crisis that President Andry Rajoelina described as an illegal attempt to seize power. [1]

What’s Going On

• The mutinied unit, known as CAPSAT, announced Sunday that it would henceforth issue orders across land, air, and maritime forces — effectively claiming overall military authority. [2]
• CAPSAT soldiers had earlier defected during anti‑government protests, rejecting orders to fire on demonstrators and joining crowds in Antananarivo. [3]
• President Rajoelina responded by stating that an “attempt to seize power illegally and by force” was underway and called for national unity. [4]
• He affirmed he remained in the country and was managing national affairs, despite the escalating standoff. [1]

Why It Matters

• The move by CAPSAT represents a direct challenge to constitutional order, risking full military takeover.
• The crisis signals a fracture in the chain of command within Madagascar’s security institutions.
• The situation is dramatically shifting the balance of power: what began as protests over power cuts and water shortages has now reached a turning point with military involvement.
• International actors and human rights organizations are watching closely, warning that escalation could lead to broader instability in the Indian Ocean nation. [3]

Citations:

1. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/madagascar-presidency-warns-attempted-coup-without-offering-evidence-2025-10-12/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. NAMPA: www.nampa.org/text/22756958?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/11/soldiers-from-elite-capsat-unit-join-protests-against-madagascars-president?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. BBC Feeds: feeds.bbci.co.uk/news/articles/cd070pn4g07o?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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