12/10/2025
Crisis in Madagascar: What We Know So Far
▪️On Sunday, the gendarmerie reportedly sided with protesters. According to a local media outlet, gendarmes issued a statement saying they are “here to protect, not to terrorize” and urged the armed forces to reject violence.
▪️On Saturday, a faction of the military joined the protesters. Soldiers from the Administrative and Technical Personnel and Services Army Corps (CAPSAT), based near the Malagasy capital, called on troops to “refuse orders to fire on demonstrators.”
▪️Madagascar’s military announced on Sunday that coordination of the armed forces’ command—land, air, and naval—is now being managed from the CAPSAT command center.
▪️Later that evening, CAPSAT troops entered the capital and, after a brief exchange of gunfire with security forces loyal to the president, took control of downtown Antananarivo and joined the protesters.
▪️The presidency condemned what it called “an illegal attempt to seize power by force” and called on all national stakeholders to unite in “defending constitutional order and national sovereignty.”
▪️Several airlines—including Ethiopian Airlines, Air Austral, and Air France—announced the postponement or cancellation of flights to Madagascar from Saturday to Monday.
▪️Antananarivo witnessed its largest demonstrations since protests began in late September. Thousands reportedly gathered at May 13 Square. The core of the movement appears to be the Gen Z collective, which is demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina and the Senate president.
▪️Several media outlets claimed Andry Rajoelina had left the country, while the presidency stated on Saturday that he was “still on national territory.”
Footage from social media
