A military unit in Madagascar has asserted control over the nation’s security forces amidst growing unrest, following President Andry Rajoelina’s accusation of an “attempt to seize power illegally.” The CAPSAT contingent, stationed in the Soanierana district near the capital Antananarivo, joined thousands of anti-government demonstrators on Saturday, urging security forces to “refuse orders to shoot” and condemning police actions against ongoing protests. These demonstrations, one of the largest since the protest movement began on September 25 due to widespread discontent over power and water shortages, saw police using stun grenades and tear gas to disperse crowds. However, the arrival of soldiers from CAPSAT, who were welcomed with cheers and flags, signaled solidarity with the protesters. In a statement on Sunday, Rajoelina denounced the situation as a violation of the Constitution and democratic principles, advocating for dialogue as the means to resolve the crisis. Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations, has a history of popular uprisings since gaining independence from France in 1960. Rajoelina dismissed his government on September 30 and appointed an army general as prime minister, but this move has not succeeded in calming the unrest.
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