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Due to hazy record keeping during Communist rule, the exact foundation date of CAPSAT is unknown, it is possible that the unit, or one that had a nearly identical function, was established as part of the reorganization of the armed forces during the creation of the Marxist-Leninist [[Democratic Republic of Madagascar]] in 1975, however, the first explicit mention of CAPSAT came in the re-organization of the army on December 2, 2003, when CAPSAT, or its predecessor that was renamed to CAPSAT, was reorganized into the new army of the [[Third Republic of Madagascar]].<ref name=”Formed”>{{cite web |title=LISTE DES THEMES |url=https://cnlegis.gov.mg/page_data_liste_docs_filter/399/4 |website=cnlegis.gov.mg |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=LISTE DES THEMES |url=https://cnlegis.gov.mg/page_data_liste_docs_filter/47/4 |website=cnlegis.gov.mg |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref> |
Due to hazy record keeping during Communist rule, the exact foundation date of CAPSAT is unknown, it is possible that the unit, or one that had a nearly identical function, was established as part of the reorganization of the armed forces during the creation of the Marxist-Leninist [[Democratic Republic of Madagascar]] in 1975, however, the first explicit mention of CAPSAT came in the re-organization of the army on December 2, 2003, when CAPSAT, or its predecessor that was renamed to CAPSAT, was reorganized into the new army of the [[Third Republic of Madagascar]].<ref name=”Formed”>{{cite web |title=LISTE DES THEMES |url=https://cnlegis.gov.mg/page_data_liste_docs_filter/399/4 |website=cnlegis.gov.mg |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=LISTE DES THEMES |url=https://cnlegis.gov.mg/page_data_liste_docs_filter/47/4 |website=cnlegis.gov.mg |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref> |
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Capsat has been a very powerful group in Madagascar for several |
Capsat has been a very powerful group in Madagascar for several mostly due to connections with local business elites and sections of the gendarmerie, but also because CAPSAT officers where frequently promoted into higher leadership positions, thus spreading the unit’s influence over the entire army.<ref name=”FP”>{{cite web |title=What is CAPSAT, the military unit that seized power in Madagascar? |url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/madagascar-capsat-coup-michael-randrianirina-rajoelina-impeachment-13942230.html |website=[[First Post]] |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref> |
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Due to CAPSAT’s role they have structural control over key army functions, namely logistics and salaries. Since it is CAPSAT that pays army personnel, they’ve gained a reputation as the “kingmaker” of Malagasy politics.<ref name=”FP”/> |
Due to CAPSAT’s role they have structural control over key army functions, namely logistics and salaries. Since it is CAPSAT that pays army personnel, they’ve gained a reputation as the “kingmaker” of Malagasy politics.<ref name=”FP”/> |
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Revision as of 02:23, 16 October 2025
Military unit
The Army Corps of Personnel and Administrative and Technical Services (in French: Corps d’armée des personnels et des services administratifs et techniques)—generally abbreviated to Capsat—is an elite and politically powerful unit of the Madagascar Armed Forces.[2]
Function
Capsat is based in the Soanierana district on the outskirts of Antananarivo. It is not a front-line combat unit but plays a central role in the management of military logistics, technical operations, and personnel administration.[3]
History
Due to hazy record keeping during Communist rule, the exact foundation date of CAPSAT is unknown, it is possible that the unit, or one that had a nearly identical function, was established as part of the reorganization of the armed forces during the creation of the Marxist-Leninist Democratic Republic of Madagascar in 1975, however, the first explicit mention of CAPSAT came in the re-organization of the army on December 2, 2003, when CAPSAT, or its predecessor that was renamed to CAPSAT, was reorganized into the new army of the Third Republic of Madagascar.[1][4]
Capsat has been a very powerful group in Madagascar for several decades mostly due to connections with local business elites and sections of the gendarmerie, but also because CAPSAT officers where frequently promoted into higher leadership positions, thus spreading the unit’s influence over the entire army.[5]
Due to CAPSAT’s role they have structural control over key army functions, namely logistics and salaries. Since it is CAPSAT that pays army personnel, they’ve gained a reputation as the “kingmaker” of Malagasy politics.[5]
Their mutiny, under Colonel Noël Rakotonandrasana, during the 2009 Malagasy political crisis caused the resignation of President Marc Ravalomanana and the installation of Antananarivo mayor Andry Rajoelina as President of the “High Transitional Authority of Madagascar” after a coup d’état.[2][6] CAPSAT had been staunch allies of Rajoelina, who in turn tried and failed to install loyalists and allies into CAPSAT.[5] Due to this attempted infiltration, starting from 2020-2021 CAPSAT and Rajoelina had a falling out, and CAPSAT “and questioned whether [their and Rajoelina’s] interests align.”[5]
Capsat joined the 2025 Malagasy mutiny on 14 October and its chief, Michael Randrianirina, became interim President of Madagascar, although this was disputed by President Rajoelina.[7]
Notes
References
