"The whereabouts of President Andry Rajoelina is unknown following the move over the weekend by an elite military unit to offer support to Gen Z protests."
"Soldiers from the CAPSAT unit openly sided with the protesters on Saturday. The following day, Rajoelina declared that a coup was taking place, as CAPSAT installed a new military chief during a ceremony attended by the armed forces minister, who welcomed the appointment."
"Authorities have asserted that he is in Madagascar and managing national affairs. However, hundreds returned to the streets on Monday in a celebratory mood amid rumours that Rajoelina has fled. Some soldiers joined the crowd, with students hanging from military vehicles and brandishing flags."
"We responded to the people's call, a commander of the CAPSAT unit, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, told reporters."
President Andry Rajoelina's location is uncertain after an elite military unit sided with Gen Z protesters, intensifying weeks of student-led demonstrations. CAPSAT soldiers publicly supported protesters and installed a new military chief at a ceremony attended and welcomed by the armed forces minister, prompting Rajoelina to declare a coup. Authorities state that the president remains in Madagascar and is managing national affairs, while rumours of his flight spurred celebratory crowds. Students and some soldiers occupied military vehicles and brandished flags. Protests began on September 25 over chronic electricity and water shortages and have broadened into demands for political change. Rajoelina scheduled a televised address for 7pm local time.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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