ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar – October 14, 2025 – The office of Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has swiftly denounced an attempt to seize power illegally, after an army unit claimed it had taken over leadership of the military command and was now in control of all armed forces. The dramatic development, reported by the BBC on Saturday, has plunged the Indian Ocean island nation into renewed political uncertainty, just as it grapples with recent public unrest.

The statement from the presidency asserts that the attempt to overthrow the government was unsuccessful and that the legitimate authorities remain firmly in control. This claim directly contradicts the announcement made by the dissident army unit, which has not yet been widely identified or specified in detail. The incident has sent ripples of concern through the international community, closely monitoring the fragile democratic institutions of the strategically important nation.

Power Struggle Escalates in Antananarivo

Reports from Antananarivo on Saturday indicated that a segment of the military had made a public declaration of taking control of the country's armed forces. While specific details about the size or precise location of the dissenting unit remain sparse, the claim itself represents a significant challenge to President Rajoelina's authority. Sammy Awami, reporting for the BBC from Madagascar, noted that some troops had joined protesters in the capital on Saturday, suggesting a potential convergence of military discontent and public grievances.

The immediate aftermath of the announcement saw heightened tensions across the capital, though the extent of actual military engagement or public demonstrations of force beyond the initial declaration is still being assessed. Security analysts suggest that such claims, even if not fully substantiated by widespread military support, are designed to create panic and undermine the sitting government's legitimacy.

Presidential Office Asserts Control

In a rapid response, President Rajoelina's administration issued a strong rebuttal, characterizing the events as an isolated and ultimately failed "coup attempt." Official statements from the presidential office reiterated that President Rajoelina and his government are in full command of the country, and that all national institutions are functioning normally. They urged the population to remain calm and reject any attempts to destabilize the nation.

The government has yet to provide comprehensive details regarding the identity of the rogue army unit or the specific actions it undertook. However, the swiftness and firmness of the presidential response indicate a clear intention to quash any perceptions of a successful power grab and to reassure both domestic and international observers of stability. Madagascar has a history of political instability, making any military challenge a matter of serious concern.

Background of Unrest and Political Volatility

This latest episode unfolds against a backdrop of simmering political tensions and public protests in Madagascar. While the precise demands of the recent Saturday protests are not fully clear from initial reports, public dissatisfaction often stems from economic hardship, perceived corruption, and governance issues. The fact that some troops reportedly joined protesters suggests a potential confluence of military grievances and broader societal discontent.

Madagascar has experienced several coups and periods of significant political turmoil since its independence from France in 1960. President Andry Rajoelina himself first came to power in 2009 following a military-backed coup that ousted then-President Marc Ravalomanana. He returned to the presidency through elections in 2018. This history underscores the fragility of democratic institutions in the country and explains why any military challenge is taken with utmost gravity. The international community has frequently called for adherence to constitutional order in the country.

International Scrutiny and Future Outlook

Regional bodies, including the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), are expected to closely monitor the situation. Both organizations have historically condemned unconstitutional changes of government and may issue statements urging calm and respect for democratic processes. International partners, including France and the United States, who have significant interests in the region, are also likely to be watching developments keenly.

For now, the situation in Antananarivo appears to be under the control of the incumbent government, according to presidential sources. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the underlying political volatility in Madagascar. The full implications of this "coup attempt," including any potential arrests or disciplinary actions within the military, are yet to unfold. Observers will be watching for further official statements and any signs of continued unrest in the coming days as the nation attempts to navigate this latest political challenge.