Elite Madagascar military unit says it has seized power from President Andry Rajoelina

Sammy Awami
Reporting from Antananarivo

Image source, Reuters

The military unit known as CAPSAT is the most powerful in Madagascar, and the tide turned against President Rajoelina once it entered the political arena on Saturday.

That’s when its troops left their barracks, and joined youth-led protesters in the capital, Antananarivo, demanding the president’s resignation.

CAPSAT soldiers escorted protesters on foot – and others drove into the city, with crowds hanging from their vehicles. This act of mutiny against President Rajoelina’s government was led by Col Michael Randrianirina – the man who is now in power in Madagascar.

CAPSAT stands for Personnel Administration and Technical and Administrative Services Corps.

It is, in fact, the name of a military camp, and the troops based there are referred to by the same name.

The camp is part of the army’s administrative, technical, and personnel services. Its troops are not a frontline combat unit, but are integral to the military’s internal structure, logistics, and support operations.

The camp is strategically located near Antananarivo. This, along with its size and arms depot, gives it enormous political and military clout.

In 2009, CAPSAT was the site of a mutiny, partly driven by dissatisfaction with the handling of mass protests against then-President Marc Ravalomana’s government.

The mutiny was key to the ousting of Ravalomanana, and the rise of Andry Rajoelina.

Now, CAPSAT has risen against Rajoelina after his government was accused of using excessive force to quell protests.

The paramilitary gendarmes formed the backbone of Rajoelina’s support, and there were reports on Saturday and Sunday that they were involved in shoot-outs with CAPSAT soldiers near their camp.

But CAPSAT won the battle, announcing on Sunday that it had taken control of all armed forces – the first step towards taking power in Madagascar.