Antananarivo [Madagascar], October 13: Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina on Sunday condemned what he described as a coup attempt unfolding against him, as a crisis triggered by weeks of violent protest intensified.
His office called the situation on the island nation "extremely serious" and urged citizens to maintain unity and dialogue.
The president's statement came shortly after a rebellious army unit claimed earlier in the day it had taken control of the country's land, air and naval forces.
The elite CAPSAT army unit, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, had on Saturday called on troops to
disobey orders and stop using force against protesters demanding Rajoelina's resignation.
Numerous soldiers have taken part in the demonstrations.
The demonstrations began peacefully in the capital late last month and have since spread across the island. Security forces have cracked down hard, allegedly using live ammunition in some cases.
The movement is driven by educated youth in their late teens and 20s.
They accuse the government of mismanagement and corruption, citing as inspiration the Gen Z protests in Nepal that forced the prime minister to resign in early September.
Specific concerns include power and water outages, shortcomings in the education system, high unemployment and widespread poverty.
Rajoelina's whereabouts on Sunday were unknown. There was speculation that he had either left the
country or barricaded himself in his official residence, though the claims could not be confirmed.
In an attempt to quell the unrest, which has left at least 22 people dead,
Rajoelina dissolved the government on September 29 and appointed a new prime minister.
Protesters, however, say they will not stop until the president has resigned.
Source: Qatar Tribune
