The statement followed a military unit publicly joining protesters demanding Andry Rajoelinas resignation

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has announced that an attempt to seize power by force is underway. This comes a day after elite military troops publicly sided with demonstrators demanding his resignation.

In a statement on Sunday, the presidential office said the development "contradicts the constitution and democratic principles." The head of state has faced mounting pressure to step down amid weeks of youth-led protests that began in September over power and water cuts and have since grown into broader anti-government rallies.

In the statement, the presidency urged all "national forces" to unite in defense of the constitutional order and national sovereignty.

On Saturday, soldiers from CAPSAT, an army support unit that helped bring Rajoelina to power back in 2009, called on fellow troops to disobey orders and join the uprising.

Rumors circulated on social media over the weekend that Rajoelina had fled the country. His office later issued a statement on Facebook saying he and the prime minister remained "fully in control of the nation's affairs." His whereabouts, however, have not been made public.

Rajoelina dissolved his government at the end of September following pressure from public rallies and appointed Army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new prime minister.

The protests, which began on September 25, have seen thousands rally in the capital Antananarivo and other cities under the youth-led movement Gen Z Madagascar.

Police have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds amid reports of looting and attacks on shopping centers. Authorities imposed a nighttime curfew in the capital and blocked major roads, but the unrest has continued.

At least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in the first five days of protests, according to UN figures.

Rajoelina seized power in a 2009 coup and led a transitional government for nearly five years before handing over power to Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who served as president from 2014 to 2019. Rajoelina returned to office after winning the 2018 election and was re-elected in 2023 following weeks of protests and an opposition boycott, pledging to boost the economy through industrialization, electrification, and improved access to basic services.

(RT.com)