A powerful military unit in Madagascar has declared that it has taken control from President Andry Rajoelina, following weeks of protests led primarily by young people on the Indian Ocean island.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the head of CAPSAT, made the announcement outside the Presidential Palace. He stated that the military plans to establish a transitional government and organize elections within two years. As part of the takeover, he also suspended major democratic institutions, including the electoral commission.

Gen Z demonstrators, who were central to the recent wave of unrest, will play a role in shaping the country's future, according to Col Randrianirina. "The movement was created in the streets so we have to respect their demands," he said.

The apparent ouster of President Rajoelina was met with celebrations by both protestors and soldiers, as thousands gathered in Antananarivo waving flags and cheering.

Despite these developments, Rajoelina’s office issued a statement rejecting the military’s claim to power, calling it an "attempted coup d'etat" and insisting he remains the legitimate head of state. Meanwhile, Madagascar’s constitutional court has recognized Col Randrianirina as the interim leader.

The president’s current location is unknown, though he has claimed to be in a "safe place" after what he described as an assassination attempt involving "military personnel and politicians." CAPSAT has denied any role in the alleged plot. There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting Rajoelina may have been evacuated on a French military plane.

The political crisis was sparked more than two weeks ago by protests over severe water and electricity shortages. What began as frustration over basic services quickly expanded into a broader movement against rising unemployment, alleged government corruption, and an escalating cost-of-living crisis.

The demonstrations turned violent, with at least 22 people killed and over 100 injured, according to the United Nations. However, the Malagasy government dismissed those figures, claiming they were based on "rumours and misinformation."

On Saturday, CAPSAT, a military faction that had originally backed Rajoelina when he took power in 2009, officially joined the protestors.

Rajoelina, a former DJ and businessman, was once hailed as a fresh face in Malagasy politics. At just 24, he became Africa’s youngest leader and served a four-year term before reclaiming the presidency in the 2018 elections.

However, his popularity waned amid accusations of nepotism and corruption, which he has consistently denied. As his grip on power weakened, Rajoelina tried to dissolve the national assembly to prevent the opposition from removing him for "abandonment of post." The move failed.

Parliamentarians voted overwhelmingly to impeach him, 130 in favor, with just one blank ballot. Even members of his own IRMAR party turned against him. Rajoelina denounced the outcome, calling the vote "null and void."

The African Union has condemned military involvement in Madagascar's political processes, warning against "any attempt at unconstitutional changes of government" and advising soldiers not to "meddle" in national affairs.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as "greatly worrying."

This upheaval is the latest in a string of political crises for Madagascar, one of the world's poorest nations, where 75% of its 30 million citizens live in poverty, according to the World Bank.