Antananarivo, Madagascar – The island nation of Madagascar is on high alert tonight following a stark warning from the nation's President about a potential coup d'état. The announcement came just hours after a unit of the armed forces launched a rebellion, seizing a key military base and escalating fears of widespread political instability.
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| President Andry Rajoelina at the Madagascar Presidential Office on October 6. Photo: Reuters |
The crisis began to unfold in the early hours of Sunday morning when a faction of soldiers, reportedly from an elite parachute regiment, took control of a major military installation on the outskirts of the capital, Antananarivo. While the exact motives behind the mutiny remain unclear, sources suggest the rebellion stems from long-simmering grievances within the military over pay, conditions, and the current political direction of the country.
In a televised address to the nation, a visibly concerned President condemned the actions of the rebellious soldiers as a "grave threat to our democracy and the peace of our nation." He declared that his government had received credible intelligence pointing to a "wider, coordinated conspiracy" aimed at overthrowing the constitutionally elected government.
"This is not merely the act of a few disgruntled soldiers," the President stated firmly. "This is an orchestrated attempt to seize power through force. We will not allow our nation to be plunged back into chaos by those who seek to undermine our institutions."
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| Members of Madagascar’s CAPSAT army contingent were greeted with jubilation at a ceremony honouring people killed in anti-government demonstrations (Luis TATO) |
This recent turmoil adds another layer to Madagascar's complex political history, which has been marked by periods of instability and several coups and attempted coups since its independence. International observers are watching the situation closely, with several foreign governments and international bodies calling for restraint and a peaceful resolution through dialogue. The African Union has issued a statement condemning any attempt to seize power unconstitutionally and has called on the military to return to their barracks.
The immediate future remains uncertain. The government has stated its commitment to resolving the crisis but has also warned it will take decisive action to restore order. The coming hours will be critical in determining whether this rebellion can be contained or if it will spiral into a larger conflict, threatening the stability of this unique and vibrant island nation.
