Who are CAPSAT, the Madagascar special forces unit spearheading the military takeover? | DW News

Key Concepts

• Impeachment: The formal process of accusing a public official of unlawful activity, potentially leading to removal from office.
• Coup d'état (Coup): The sudden, often violent, overthrow of a government by a small group, typically military.
• Destitution: The act of removing someone from a position of power or office.
• Decree: An official order issued by a legal authority.
• National Assembly: The primary legislative body of a country.
• Senate: The upper house of a legislature.
• High Constitutional Court: A judicial body responsible for interpreting the constitution and ensuring legal compliance.
• Electoral Commission: An independent body tasked with organizing and overseeing elections.
• Transitional Council: A temporary governing body established during a period of political change, often after a coup or major political upheaval.
• Referendum: A direct vote by the electorate on a particular proposal or law.
• CAPSAT Military Unit: An elite special forces unit within Madagascar's army, known for its significant political influence.
• Generation Zed Protesters: A youth-led movement driving the anti-government demonstrations.

Political Unrest and Military Takeover

Madagascar's military has asserted control over the country following the impeachment of President Radwell, who is currently in hiding. The president fled after a powerful military unit joined widespread anti-government protests. These demonstrations, which have resulted in at least 22 deaths, were initially sparked by high unemployment and allegations of corruption. Protesters, particularly in northern towns and the capital Antananarivo, had been demanding President Radwell's resignation for weeks.

A protester expressed immense relief, stating, "It feels like we've just been released from prison. We know all the harm he has done. I'm truly relieved that Andra is no longer in power. This is also a message to his successor: learn from this and don't make the same mistakes."

Moments later, soldiers from the elite CAPSAT army unit, led by Colonel Michael Randrian, declared their authority outside the presidential palace in Antananarivo, stating, "We have taken power from today and we have dissolved the Senate." The army further dissolved the top courts and the electoral commission, outlining a plan for the country's future.

Legal Ambiguities and Conflicting Authority

The situation is characterized by significant legal uncertainty, making it difficult to definitively state who is running the country.

• President Radwell's Stance: From hiding, President Radwell insists he is still in power and has issued a statement calling the military takeover a "serious breach of the law." He accuses the CAPSAT military of attempting a coup.
• High Constitutional Court's View: The High Constitutional Court has declared President Radwell no longer in charge, citing his absence from the country as a disqualifying factor.
• Parliamentary Actions: Members of Parliament (MPs) voted for President Radwell's destitution on a Tuesday morning. However, while this was happening, President Radwell issued a decree from abroad to dissolve the National Assembly. The MPs deemed this decree legally invalid due to the absence of a stamp or signature on the document and the discrepancy in its stated issuance location (Antananarivo) versus the president's actual location abroad.
• Legal Stalemate: This creates a "legal quagmire," making it challenging to determine whether the events constitute a coup d'état or a legal ousting.

The Military's Plan for Transition

Colonel Michael Randrian, now the interim head of state, outlined the military's immediate and long-term plans:

1. Dissolution of Institutions: The military has dissolved the Senate, the High Constitutional Court, and "almost all institutions."
2. Establishment of a Transitional Council: A committee or council will be set up, composed primarily of army officers and gendarmerie officers, with the possibility of senior civilian advisers joining later. This council, referred to as a "national defense transition council," will be temporary and in charge until new elections.
3. New Government: A new government and a new prime minister will be nominated.
4. Elections and Referendum: The military promises new elections within "at least two years" and a referendum "in two years time from now." However, there is a conflicting statement that Colonel Randrian is "supposed to organize election within 60 days if we listen to a high constitutional decision."

Key Players and Their Roles

• Colonel Michael Randrian: The leader of the CAPSAT military unit and now the interim head of state. He is seen as a hero by protesters for joining their movement and enabling free protest. Notably, he had a suspended sentence in 2023 for endangering state security and was previously under house arrest, indicating a history of opposition to President Radwell.
• CAPSAT Military Unit: An elite special forces unit with significant political history. They were instrumental in helping President Radwell (then Andry Rajoelina) take power in 2009. They are also responsible for the army's ammunition. Their shift in allegiance was crucial to the current takeover.
• Generation Zed Protesters: A youth-led movement that initiated the protests weeks ago, initially over water and power shortages, which then escalated to broader grievances concerning corruption and poverty. They expressed gratitude to Colonel Randrian.

International and Public Reaction

• United Nations: The UN has expressed concern about any unconstitutional change of power and urged all parties to work towards a peaceful solution.
• Public Sentiment: Protesters expressed overwhelming relief and hope for a better future, while also issuing a stern warning to the new leadership not to repeat past mistakes.

Conclusion

Madagascar is embroiled in a complex and legally ambiguous power struggle. The military, spearheaded by the CAPSAT unit and Colonel Michael Randrian, has seized control, dissolving key state institutions and proposing a transitional council leading to new elections within an uncertain timeframe. President Radwell, from hiding, maintains his legitimacy, while the High Constitutional Court and Parliament have taken actions to oust him. The international community, represented by the UN, calls for a peaceful, constitutional resolution. The situation remains fluid, with the military's proposed path forward facing legal challenges and the need to address the deep-seated public grievances that fueled the initial protests.