Mon Oct 13 13:39:19 UTC 2025: **News Article: Madagascar Rocked by Apparent Coup Amidst Widespread Protests**
**Antananarivo, Madagascar – October 13, 2025** – Madagascar is in turmoil as an elite military unit, CAPSAT, has turned against the government of President Andry Rajoelina, calling for his resignation amidst weeks of escalating protests over power outages, water shortages, and broader discontent with the government.
The protests, initially spearheaded by youth group “Gen Z Madagascar,” gained momentum and saw soldiers from the CAPSAT unit accompanying demonstrators in the capital, Antananarivo, on Saturday. The unit, which played a role in bringing Rajoelina to power in 2009, has reportedly taken control of the armed forces.
President Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation on state television, but his current whereabouts remain unknown, fueling speculation that he may have fled. His office has labeled the situation an “attempt to seize power illegally.”
While CAPSAT denies staging a coup, the unit has appointed a new head of the armed forces, which has been accepted by the Minister of Defence. Clashes have reportedly occurred between CAPSAT soldiers and security forces, resulting in at least one soldier’s death.
The U.S. Embassy has urged American citizens to shelter in place due to the volatile situation. The African Union has called for calm and restraint from all parties.
The protests, which began on September 25, stem from widespread dissatisfaction with the government, encompassing issues such as poverty, cost of living, access to education, and allegations of corruption. Inspired by movements in Nepal and Sri Lanka, “Gen Z Madagascar” has utilized the internet to mobilize support.
Madagascar has a history of political instability and coups since gaining independence in 1960. Rajoelina himself came to power following a coup in 2009 and was re-elected in 2023 in a contested election boycotted by opposition parties. The situation remains fluid, with the future of the country uncertain.
**Note:** I have included the key details of the event in the text. The news article is written from a neutral perspective, based on the information given.
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