Attempted coup ‘initiated’ in Madagascar, says president

Madagascar has in recent weeks seen the most significant unrest in year (Alexander Joe/AP)

An attempted coup is under way in the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar, the country’s president has said, a day after members of an elite army unit were seen joining youth-led protests against the government.

Madagascar has been shaken by three weeks of the most significant unrest seen for years, with protests led by a group calling itself “Gen Z Madagascar”. The United Nations has said the demonstrations have left 22 people dead and dozens injured, though the government has disputed this number.