AUC chairperson concerned about situation in Madagascar as President Rajoelina says 'coup under way'
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said on Sunday that he is following with “deep concern” the political and security developments in Madagascar, marked by movements within the army and popular demonstrations in Antananarivo.
Mr. Youssouf's statement comes as the Office of President Andry Rajoelina said in a communique on Sunday that an “attempt to seize power illegally and by force” was under way in the country.
President Rajoelina's statement also comes as an elite Madagascar military unit, called CAPSAT, on Saturday called on the rest of the military to “join forces” with the protesters and announced it was taking over the army, according to media reports.
CAPSAT played a key role in bringing Rajoelina to power in 2009 and its current position is “tipping the scales of the 2025 political crisis”, Madagascar's media outlet, tribune.com, reported.
President Rajoelina said: “The presidency of the Republic wishes to inform the nation and the international community that an attempt to seize power illegally and by force, contrary to the constitution and to democratic principles, is currently underway.”
The situation has been moving very fast since Saturday night when the newly appointed prime minister, Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, announced that the government was “fully ready to listen and engage in dialogue with all factions – youth, unions or the military”.
A statement by the Communications Department of the AU said the Chairperson of the AUC “welcomes the Government’s renewed commitment to dialogue and urges all Malagasy stakeholders, both civilian and military, to exercise calm and restraint, and to prioritise peaceful and consensual solutions to the current situation. He calls for the full respect of the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens”.
The AUC Chairperson recalled the principles enshrined in the Lomé Declaration of 2000 and in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
He called upon all Malagasy parties to demonstrate responsibility and patriotism, and to work towards the preservation of unity, stability, and peace in the country, in full respect of the Constitution and established institutional frameworks.
“The Chairperson reaffirms the solidarity of the African Union with the people and Government of Madagascar in these difficult times, and expresses the readiness of the continental organisation to support national and regional efforts aimed at a rapid return to institutional normalcy, stability, and the consolidation of peace.”
Madagascar has been in turmoil since youth-led protests started on 25 September against water and electricity shortages.
These were followed by calls by the Gen Z protesters for the resignation of President Rajoelina, an end to corruption and radical overhaul of the political system.
The UN said at least 22 people were killed at the start of the protests in September.
The UN human rights chief called on security forces on Friday to stop the use of unnecessary force against protesters who have been demonstrating for two weeks against persistent water and electricity cuts, as well as the wider cost of living, unemployment and corruption.
"We are receiving worrying reports of continued violence by the gendarmerie against protesters, particularly in Antananarivo," the Malagasy capital, warned the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in a message on the social network X.
-0- PANA MA 12Oct2025
