Madagascar’s military has declared a coup, suspending the constitution and ousting President Andry Rajoelina amid escalating protests.

The elite CAPSAT unit, which installed Rajoelina in the 2009 coup, defected on October 11, joining Gen Z Madagascar demonstrators in Antananarivo.

Soldiers drove armored vehicles into May 13 Square, vowing no violence against crowds, while Commander Lylison René de Rolland rallied support.

Protests, sparked by power and water shortages, decry corruption and poverty affecting 75% of 32 million citizens.

At least 22 dead, 100 injured per UN reports. Rajoelina, barricaded with loyalists, accused foreign orchestration; reports confirm his flight from the capital. The army now holds power.

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