Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina said Sunday that an "illegal and forceful attempt to seize power" was underway, a day after a contingent of soldiers rallied alongside thousands of anti-government protesters in the capital Antananarivo.

"The Presidency of the Republic wishes to inform the nation and the international community that an attempt to seize power illegally and by force, contrary to the Constitution and democratic principles, is currently underway on national territory," Mr. Rajoelina said in a statement.

"Dialogue is the only way forward and the only solution to the crisis the country is currently facing," he said, calling for "unity."

Gendarmerie officers accused of violence against protesters released a video statement Sunday morning acknowledging "errors and excesses during our interventions" and calling for "brotherhood" between the army and the gendarmes.

"We are here to protect, not to terrorize," they said, adding that "from now on, all orders will come only" from the gendarmerie headquarters.

Malagasy soldiers joined thousands of protesters in the streets of Antananarivo on Saturday, calling on security forces to "refuse orders to shoot" the population and condemning recent police repression.

Before leaving their military base in the Soanierana district, on the outskirts of Antananarivo, soldiers from the CAPSAT (Army Corps of Personnel and Administrative and Technical Services) had called for disobedience. In 2009, this base had already led a mutiny during the popular uprising that brought the current president to power.

Saturday's demonstration in Antananarivo was one of the largest since the start of the protests on September 25, launched by the Gen Z movement to protest against water and electricity cuts and which has turned into a challenge to the political leaders in power, starting with President Andry Raojelina.

Soldiers clashed with gendarmes outside a barracks and entered the city in military vehicles to join protesters in the symbolic 13 May Square in front of Antananarivo town hall, where they were greeted with cheers and calls for Rajoelina's resignation.

On Saturday evening, the new Prime Minister, Ruphin Zafisambo, assured that the government, "which is holding firm," was "ready to collaborate and listen to all forces: young people, unions and the army."

"Madagascar will not be able to withstand further crises if this division among its citizens persists," General Zafisambo continued in a brief filmed speech.

For its part, the presidency issued a statement assuring that President Andry Rajoelina "remains in the country" and "continues to manage national affairs."

At least 22 people have been killed since the protests began and more than 100 injured, according to a United Nations report.

President Rajoelina denied "erroneous figures" on Wednesday, estimating the "loss of life" at 12, all "looters and vandals," he said.