"Madagascar's president said an attempt to seize power illegally and by force was under way, as an elite military unit that joined protesters on the streets on Saturday announced it was taking over the army. The Capsat unit's intervention comes after weeks of youth-led protests, which started on 25 September against water and electricity shortages and expanded to calling for the resignation of the president, Andry Rajoelina, an end to corruption and radical overhaul of the political system."
"The newly appointed prime minister, Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, had said on state television on Saturday night that the government was fully ready to listen and engage in dialogue with all factions youth, unions or the military. 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 under way."
An elite Capsat military unit joined street protests and announced it was taking command of Madagascar's armed forces. Weeks of youth-led demonstrations began on 25 September over water and electricity shortages and broadened into demands for President Andry Rajoelina's resignation, an end to corruption and radical political overhaul. The newly appointed prime minister stated the government was ready to listen and engage in dialogue with youth, unions and the military. The presidency declared an illegal attempt to seize power by force. Capsat said it would not fire on protesters and called on other military elements to join.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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