An elite military unit in Madagascar, known as CAPSAT, has declared that it has seized power from President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of youth-led protests across the island nation.
The CAPSAT chief, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, announced outside the presidential palace that the military would establish a government and hold elections within two years.
He also suspended key democratic institutions, including the electoral commission, and emphasized that the demands of the Gen Z protesters would be respected as the movement originated from the streets.
The takeover has been met with celebrations by troops and protesters alike in the capital, Antananarivo, where thousands waved flags in apparent support of the military's actions.
CAPSAT, the most powerful military unit in Madagascar, had previously supported Rajoelina when he first came to power in 2009 but switched allegiance to the protesters recently.
The country’s constitutional court has named Colonel Randrianirina as the new leader, although the president's office has denounced the move as an "attempted coup d'etat" and insisted that Rajoelina remains in charge.
The whereabouts of President Rajoelina are currently unknown; he has stated that he is sheltering in a "safe place" following an alleged assassination attempt involving military personnel and politicians, a claim denied by CAPSAT.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Rajoelina may have been flown out of the country on a French military aircraft.
Meanwhile, the US State Department has called for all parties to seek a peaceful resolution in accordance with the constitutional order.
Colonel Randrianirina described Madagascar as a country in chaos due to the absence of a president, stating that Rajoelina has left the country.
The unrest began over two weeks ago with youth-led protests against chronic water and power shortages, which escalated into broader demonstrations against high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis under Rajoelina's government.
Clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to the United Nations, although the Malagasy government disputes these figures, calling them rumors and misinformation.
Andry Rajoelina, an entrepreneur and former DJ, first became president at age 34, earning the title of Africa's youngest leader.
He governed for four years before returning to power after the 2018 election.
However, his administration has faced allegations of cronyism and corruption, which he denies.
Despite losing apparent control, Rajoelina has attempted to influence events, including an unsuccessful effort to dissolve the national assembly to prevent a vote to impeach him for abandonment of office.
On Tuesday, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to impeach Rajoelina, including members of his own party, Irmar.
Rajoelina rejected the impeachment vote, calling it "null and void."
The African Union has condemned military interference in Madagascar's political affairs and rejected any unconstitutional changes of government.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as "greatly worrying." Madagascar has experienced multiple political upheavals in recent years and remains one of the poorest countries globally, with 75% of its 30 million population living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.