ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) — An attempted coup is underway in the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar, the country's president said on Sunday, 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 in years in the nation. The protests are led by a group calling itself “Gen Z Madagascar,” and the United Nations says the demonstrations have left 22 people dead and dozens injured. The government has disputed this number.

A statement from President Andry Rajoelina’s office said it “wishes to inform the nation and the international community that an attempt to seize power illegally and by force” has been “initiated.”

“In view of the extreme gravity of this situation, the

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