Madagascar President Rajoelina Reports Coup Attempt Amid Widespread Unrest

Madagascar President, Andry Rajoelina, has announced that an attempted coup was underway, as scenes of solidarity between soldiers and anti-government protesters unfolded in the capital, Antananarivo.

The stunning development came amid three weeks of escalating unrest that has gripped the Indian Ocean nation, with parts of the military openly expressing support for demonstrators calling for Rajoelina’s resignation.

The United Nations reported that about twenty-two people were killed, a figure the government disputes, as civic groups and labor unions rally behind the youthful movement demanding political reform and accountability.