Madagascar, Oct 12 (V7N) – A rebel faction within Madagascar’s army announced on Sunday that it has taken full control of the country’s military forces. The declaration came from the “CAPSAT Contingent,” a group comprised of administrative and technical officers, after they joined thousands of anti-government protesters in the capital on Saturday, October 11, intensifying the ongoing wave of demonstrations.
 
President Andry Rajoelina swiftly denounced the announcement, describing it as “an illegal attempt to seize power,” according to AFP.
 
Earlier, the CAPSAT unit had declared that it would disobey any orders to open fire on civilians. In its statement, the group accused the national police of using excessive force against demonstrators, resulting in numerous casualties.
 
In a video message released on Sunday, CAPSAT officers declared that all ground and air forces would now operate under the direction of the CAPSAT headquarters. However, no immediate response was issued from other army units or the central military command.
 
The rebellion followed violent clashes on Saturday between CAPSAT troops and armed police outside a military barracks in Antananarivo. The mutinous soldiers later drove military vehicles into the streets and joined the protesters, who cheered their arrival and chanted slogans demanding President Rajoelina’s resignation.
 
The Presidential Palace issued a statement on Sunday condemning the mutiny as a “forceful and unconstitutional power grab,” urging national unity and dialogue as the only way out of the political crisis.
 
Meanwhile, senior police officials released a separate video message admitting that their earlier actions against protesters had been “excessive.” They called for renewed “brotherhood” between the armed forces and police, asserting that their mission was to protect citizens, not to engage in “acts of terror.” The officials added that all future commands would come directly from the police headquarters.
 
Madagascar’s anti-government movement erupted on September 25 in response to widespread frustration over power and water shortages. On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators gathered again in the capital, Antananarivo, to demand political change.
 
The government stated that President Rajoelina remains in the country and continues to perform his duties. The recently appointed prime minister affirmed that the government “remains firm” but is open to dialogue and compromise.
 
In the Soanierana district, CAPSAT officers urged soldiers to refrain from using force against civilians, recalling that the same military base had played a decisive role in the 2009 uprising that brought Rajoelina to power.
 
According to United Nations reports, 22 people have been killed since protests began in late September. However, President Rajoelina’s office claims only 12 fatalities, all allegedly looters, while CAPSAT confirmed that one of its soldiers was also killed by police gunfire.
 
The situation in Madagascar remains fluid, with fears that the standoff between rebel soldiers and government forces could further destabilize the nation.
 
END/WD/SMA/