Madagascar: President Warns of Coup Attempt as Soldiers Join Protests

5 HOURS AGO·UPDATED 5 HOURS AGO

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Above: A Malagasy soldier walks surrounded by protesters in Antananarivo, on Oct. 11, 2025. Image copyright: Luis Tato/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

An illegal coup attempt is underway, as rogue military units abandon their duty and join violent protesters threatening national stability. Elite forces are coordinating an armed takeover while the president maintains control and offers dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully. The military breakdown endangers Madagascar's democratic institutions and threatens to plunge the nation into chaos.

The Voice of Africa The Business Standard

Government-critical narrative

Madagascar's military is standing with the people against a brutal regime that has killed at least 22 protesters. Soldiers are refusing orders to shoot their own citizens and joining demonstrations after witnessing police violence including severe beatings caught on video. The president's appointment of military officers to government reveals desperation, as his authoritarian crackdown fails.

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