Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has accused rival forces of attempting to overthrow his government, after several soldiers joined ongoing anti-government demonstrations demanding his resignation.
In a statement released late Sunday, the presidency said an “illegal and forceful attempt to seize power” was underway, warning that any actions outside constitutional order would endanger the country’s stability.
“The Presidency of the Republic informs the nation and the international community that an attempt to seize power illegally and by force, contrary to democratic principles, is currently unfolding,” the statement read.
Military Defection Escalates Protests
Tensions escalated in the capital Antananarivo on Saturday when a group of soldiers marched alongside thousands of protesters calling for the president to step down. Demonstrators accused Rajoelina’s administration of corruption, economic mismanagement, and tightening political control.
The protests, which began in late September, have drawn support from opposition parties, student groups, and trade unions, spreading rapidly across urban centers. Security forces have largely exercised restraint, but the defection of military personnel has heightened fears of a wider security breakdown.
Political observers warn that the situation risks splitting the army’s loyalty, potentially igniting a deeper crisis in the island nation.
Legacy of Political Unrest
Madagascar, a country of about 30 million people off Africa’s southeastern coast, has experienced recurring political turbulence for over a decade. Rajoelina, a former DJ-turned-politician, first took power through a 2009 coup before later winning internationally recognized elections in 2018 and 2023.
However, opposition parties continue to accuse him of using state institutions to silence critics and manipulate electoral outcomes. Allegations of irregularities during last year’s vote have fueled fresh unrest, with protesters demanding new elections and greater transparency.
Calls for Calm
Both the African Union and the United Nations have expressed concern over the situation, urging all actors to exercise restraint and uphold constitutional order.
Analysts note that Madagascar’s fragile economy — heavily dependent on tourism, agriculture, and mining — could suffer further shocks if the unrest continues.
“This crisis is a test of Madagascar’s democracy and the maturity of its political institutions,” said one regional analyst based in Nairobi. “The defection of soldiers is serious, but a peaceful resolution is still possible if dialogue prevails.”