Madagascar President Says Attempted Coup Underway Amid Deadly Unrest

• Oct 12, 2025

An attempted coup is underway in Madagascar, President Andry Rajoelina announced on Sunday, following weeks of violent protests and growing tensions between the government and demonstrators. The announcement came a day after members of an elite army unit were seen joining the protests, raising fears of deepening instability in the Indian Ocean island nation.

Madagascar has been experiencing its most significant unrest in years, driven largely by a youth movement known as “Gen Z Madagascar.” According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and dozens injured since the protests began on September 25. However, the government has disputed these figures.

In a statement from the president’s office, Rajoelina said his administration “wishes to inform the nation and the international community that an attempt to seize power illegally and by force has been initiated.” The president condemned the developments, calling on citizens and security forces to defend “constitutional order and national sovereignty.”

While the statement did not specify who was behind the attempted coup, it came after reports that soldiers from the elite CAPSAT military unit joined anti-government protests in the capital, Antananarivo. Witnesses said members of the unit were seen marching alongside demonstrators demanding Rajoelina’s resignation and denouncing alleged corruption, nepotism, and poor public services.

The protests, largely led by young people frustrated by unemployment and economic inequality, have quickly evolved into a broader movement calling for political change. The group “Gen Z Madagascar” has played a central role in organizing rallies and sharing footage of the demonstrations on social media.

President Rajoelina, 50, is no stranger to political upheaval. He first rose to prominence in 2009 when he became the transitional leader after a coup that ousted then-President Marc Ravalomanana. Rajoelina was later elected president in 2018 and secured a second term in 2023.

Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations despite its vast natural resources, has faced recurring political crises over the past two decades. The current unrest has raised concerns about the country’s stability and prompted calls from international observers for dialogue and restraint.

As of Sunday evening, the situation in Antananarivo remained tense, with reports of ongoing demonstrations and heavy security presence across key government sites.