## CAPSAT: Overview and Context **CAPSAT**—the Army Corps of Personnel and Administrative and Technical Services—is a politically influential unit within the Madagascar Armed Forces, established to provide specialized personnel and technical support to the military[5]. Unlike its acronym-sharing counterpart in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which focuses on substance abuse prevention[2], Madagascar’s CAPSAT is a military entity with a significant role in the nation’s political landscape. ## History and Political Role CAPSAT first rose to prominence in early 2009 during a period of intense civil unrest in Madagascar[1]. At the time, widespread protests against corruption and authoritarian governance under President Marc Ravalomanana led to a military mutiny at Camp Capsat, fracturing the loyalty of government forces[1]. This intervention was decisive in the ousting of Ravalomanana and the installation of Andry Rajoelina, then mayor of Antananarivo, as leader of the High Transitional Authority[1][3]. CAPSAT’s ability to tip the balance of power in moments of crisis established it as a kingmaker in Malagasy politics. For over a decade, CAPSAT remained a key pillar of Rajoelina’s regime, but internal tensions grew as allegations of corruption and governance failures mirrored those that had toppled previous leaders[1]. In October 2025, history repeated itself: after youth-led protests over economic hardship and systemic corruption, CAPSAT again intervened, this time siding with protesters against Rajoelina[4][6]. The unit assumed control of military forces, and its commander, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, was swiftly installed as president[4][6]. This marked the second time CAPSAT played a decisive role in a political transition, underscoring its unique position as both a military and political force. ## Key Achievements and Notable Aspects CAPSAT’s most notable achievement is its repeated demonstration of the power to shape Madagascar’s political destiny through strategic