What is CAPSAT, the military unit that seized power in Madagascar?

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

62% : The announcement followed weeks of youth-led demonstrations that swept across Antananarivo and other cities, with protesters calling for Rajoelina's resignation over corruption, deteriorating living standards, and government inefficiency.
61% : Analysts, however, point out that the military's assumption of control reflects deeper structural weaknesses in Madagascar's political system.
60% : By late September, rallies had become daily events in the capital's central 13 May Square, a symbol of political mobilisation since Madagascar's independence.
58% : Within hours, CAPSAT appointed a new Chief of Defence Staff, General Demosthene Pikulas, at a ceremony attended by the Armed Forces Minister Manantsoa Deramasinjaka Rakotoarivelo, who publicly endorsed the decision, saying, "I give him my blessing.
56% : Analysts note that CAPSAT's structural control over key army functions effectively gives it the ability to paralyse or steer the military's overall operations -- a factor that has made it decisive in moments of political transition.
52% : As head of state, Colonel Randrianirina pledged to oversee a two-year transition period before new elections.
52% : "It would be a continuation of the same cycle where you have very weak institutions and a relatively stronger army which can intervene, not for the benefit of the people but for the benefit of business and political elites."
51% : " Mumanya also warned that the recurring pattern of military interventions undermines democratic institutions.
50% : "Because of the influence, the history and the legitimacy that CAPSAT has, it means that, as much as Rajoelina has leverage and control of other units, the balance of power is not in his favour right now," she told DW.
49% : " The resulting constitutional vacuum allowed the army to assert control, framing its intervention as a measure to restore order and prevent chaos.
49% : A statement from the military leadership reiterated that democratic institutions -- including the Senate, constitutional court, and electoral commission -- would remain suspended until "political stability and public confidence are restored.
48% : These dynamics, analysts say, made it difficult for Rajoelina to regain control once public sentiment shifted against him.
47% : Analysts noted that CAPSAT leaders were careful to present their actions as a response to public demand rather than a power grab, in a bid to avert the kind of international condemnation that followed the 2009 coup.
46% : Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the country has experienced multiple coups, interim governments, and military interventions.
45% : Speaking on national radio, Randrianirina declared, "We have taken the power," and confirmed that the military would assume control of state affairs.
42% : His reputation as an officer who often clashed with political authorities grew from that point.
42% : " His appeal resonated with younger soldiers disillusioned by political interference in the army.
37% : " CAPSAT's leadership has argued that the dissolution of state institutions was necessary to end a constitutional stalemate triggered by the president's attempt to dissolve parliament by decree.
35% : How did protests turn into a military takeover?

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