Elite Military Unit Defects as Coup Unfolds in Madagascar

Madagascar government says coup attempt underway amid unrest

Heavy gunfire has been reported in Madagascar amid a coup attempt in the island nation off Africa’s southeastern coast. “The Presidency of the Republic informs the nation and the international community that an illegal attempt to take power by force, contrary to the Constitution and democratic principles, was initiated on national territory,” the government said in a statement on Sunday. Videos posted on social media starting Saturday showed int…

Student-led coup attempt underway in Madagascar, president says

Troops from an elite unit of the country's military are urging fellow soldiers to disobey orders and back student protesters.

Madagascar president says coup under way as soldiers join protesters

Water and power outages triggered protests in the Indian Ocean country, which have escalated due to larger dissatisfaction with the leadership of president Rajoelina.

Military coup in Madagascar

Madagascar President Warns of Attempted Coup

Madagascar's presidency said on Sunday that "an attempted illegal and forcible seizure of power" was underway in the African nation, without providing details, a day after some soldiers joined a protest movement that had begun last month.