"Madagascar's newly-appointed Chief of Army Staff, General Demosthene Pikulas, has called the country's military to unite and restore harmony, amid the nationwide unrest following weeks of deadly protests. "All discussions went calmly, and both parties agreed that confrontation is not the right path to take," Pikulas explained in an address on Monday, after the country's CAPSAT unit reportedly broke ranks and joined protesters in the capital on Saturday. "Both parties agreed that it is best to avoid any further tensions or actions that could create more problems. […] Both sides will make sure to convey this message to all members, especially to their respective commanders, so that harmony is restored and all remaining disputes between us come to an end," he added. It comes after a CAPSAT soldier was fatally shot during clashes between the National Gendarmerie and the Malagasy armed forces on Sunday. Pikulas says the incident was 'deeply regretted by everyone' and pledged to ensure such conflicts 'never happen again'. Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko of the Social Democratic Party claims President Rajoelina has fled the country, though the government has not confirmed his whereabouts. In a statement released Sunday, Rajoelina condemned what he described as "an attempt to seize power illegally and by force.” According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed since the protests began on September 25, some in altercations with security forces and others in violence attributed to criminal gangs and looters. However, Rajoelina has disputed the toll, saying on Wednesday there were ‘12 confirmed deaths', and describing the victims as ‘looters and vandals'. Rajoelina, who first came to power in 2009 after mass protests toppled President Marc Ravalomanana, has faced growing criticism over corruption and governance. He won re-election in 2018 and again in 2023 in polls widely boycotted by the opposition."