Military unit 'attempting to seize power illegally', says Madagascar's president

Madagascar’s president said yesterday an “attempt to seize power illegally and by force” was under way in the country, as a military unit that had joined protesters on the streets on Saturday announced it was taking control of the army.

- Rachel Savage Southern Africa correspondent

The elite Capsat unit’s intervention came after weeks of youth-led protests over water and electricity shortages that expanded to calls for the resignation of the president, Andry Rajoelina, an end to corruption and a radical overhaul of the political system.

Rajoelina said he was “in the country... managing national affairs”, in a statement released yesterday morning. The newly appointed prime minister, Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, had said on state television on Saturday night that the government was “fully ready to listen and engage in dialogue with all factions - youth, unions or the military”.

Rajoelina said: “The presidency of the republic wishes to inform the nation and the international community that an attempt to seize power illegally and by force, contrary to the constitution and to democratic principles, is currently under way.”