Madagascar President Warns of Attempted Power Seizure
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has warned that an “attempt to seize power illegally and by force” is underway, following reports that a group of soldiers joined anti-government protests in the capital, Antananarivo. The warning came on Sunday, a day after soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the city called on security forces to “join forces” and “refuse orders to shoot” at protesters, denouncing the violent crackdown on ongoing demonstrations. The protests, led mostly by young people, have continued for over two weeks, sparked by frustration over power and water shortages across the country. On Saturday, soldiers clashed with gendarmes outside their barracks before riding into Antananarivo on army vehicles to join thousands of demonstrators gathered at the symbolic Place du 13 Mai in front of the city hall. The crowd reportedly cheered their arrival and chanted calls for President Rajoelina […]