Madagascar crowds cheer as military unit seizes power

A special military unit said it has seized power in Madagascar from President Andry Rajoelina after weeks of youth-led protests over water and electricity outages across the country.

Crowds were seen celebrating in the streets of the country’s capital, Antananarivo.

The army will form a government and hold elections within two years, KAPSAT head Colonel Michael Randrianrena said outside the presidential palace on Tuesday.

CAPSAT stands for Department of Personnel and Technical and Administrative Services Corps, and is the most powerful military unit in Madagascar.

Rajoelina’s whereabouts are unknown, but he said he was taking shelter in a “safe place” after an alleged assassination attempt by “military and political personnel.” CAPSAT has denied any involvement in any such move.