Antananarivo: Madagascar's military announced on Tuesday that it has seized control of the government, following weeks of public protests against President Andry Rajoelina. The military's move to take power comes amidst escalating political tensions and societal unrest.
According to Ghana News Agency, the military has suspended the constitution and established a presidential council composed of army and gendarmerie members. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the CAPSAT special forces unit, made the announcement in front of the presidential palace, stating that a prime minister would be appointed to form a civilian government. This development follows a vote by the National Assembly to impeach President Rajoelina, who has reportedly fled the country.
The military has already asserted control over Madagascar's land, air, and naval forces, with soldiers aligning with demonstrators demanding improved living conditions. These protests have been characterized by calls for Rajoelina's resignation, driven by frustrations over power outages, deficiencies in education, high unemployment, and poverty. The president's office has labeled the military's actions as an attempted coup.
Earlier, President Rajoelina announced on social media platform X that he had dissolved the National Assembly by decree in an effort to "restore order." However, Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko questioned the legality of this dissolution. Rajoelina's location remains unknown, though there are reports that he was flown out of Madagascar by a French military aircraft, having previously obtained French citizenship.
The CAPSAT special forces unit has a history of involvement in Madagascar's political shifts, including aiding Rajoelina's rise to power in a 2009 coup. Following the coup, Rajoelina served as transitional president until 2014 and was elected president in 2019.
The ongoing protests, which began in late September, have resulted in violent clashes, with 22 fatalities reported in early October. In response to the unfolding crisis, the African Union held an emergency meeting, condemning any unconstitutional change of power and urging dialogue among conflicting parties.
