Presidential Office reports attempted coup in Madagascar – elite unit defects to protesters

Antananarivo – According to the presidential office, an attempted coup is underway in Madagascar. An elite military unit has joined the protests that have been going on for weeks, President Andry Rajoelina’s office said on Sunday in the capital Antananarivo. The presidential office called the situation “extremely serious” on Sunday and called on the population to show solidarity and dialogue. It accused the soldiers of an “attempted illegal and violent transfer of power.”