A colonel from an elite military unit in Madagascar on Tuesday declared that the armed forces were taking control of the Indian Ocean nation, hours after parliament voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, who has reportedly fled the country amid a growing military rebellion, reported AP.
Col Michael Randrianirina, speaking to reporters, said the military would establish a governing council made up of army and gendarmerie officers. He added that a prime minister would be appointed to “quickly” form a civilian government.
The announcement followed Rajoelina’s failed attempt to dissolve the lower house of parliament - an apparent effort to avoid impeachment. His exact whereabouts remain unknown after an elite military unit joined anti-government protests and called for his ouster. In a social media address Monday night, Rajoelina said he had gone to a "safe place" fearing for his life, but did not disclose his location.
The unrest marks the country's most severe political crisis since 2009 - when Rajoelina himself came to power following a similar military-backed movement.
Recent protests, largely led by Gen Z demonstrators, began over power and water shortages but have expanded to include wider grievances such as high living costs, unemployment, access to education, and alleged corruption. Demonstrators have drawn inspiration from other youth-led protest movements in Nepal and Sri Lanka.
On Tuesday, thousands of protestors gathered in Antananarivo’s central square, continuing their calls for the president’s resignation. “We do not get a constant supply of electricity and water from the government,” said protester Soavololona Faraniaina. “If Madagascan children are studying in darkness where will the future of this nation be?”
The CAPSAT unit , which also played a key role in Rajoelina’s rise to power in 2009, turned against him over the weekend and now claims command of all armed forces. The unit has appointed new military and security chiefs, although it denied staging a coup, saying citizens should decide what happens next.
In a pre-recorded video posted on Facebook, Rajoelina urged respect for the constitution and rejected demands for his resignation. The broadcast was originally intended for state TV and radio but was only released online after soldiers reportedly entered the state broadcaster’s offices.
Rajoelina, 51, was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023. Madagascar, a former French colony, has a history of military-backed transitions of power since gaining independence in 1960.
Col Michael Randrianirina, speaking to reporters, said the military would establish a governing council made up of army and gendarmerie officers. He added that a prime minister would be appointed to “quickly” form a civilian government.
The announcement followed Rajoelina’s failed attempt to dissolve the lower house of parliament - an apparent effort to avoid impeachment. His exact whereabouts remain unknown after an elite military unit joined anti-government protests and called for his ouster. In a social media address Monday night, Rajoelina said he had gone to a "safe place" fearing for his life, but did not disclose his location.
The unrest marks the country's most severe political crisis since 2009 - when Rajoelina himself came to power following a similar military-backed movement.
Recent protests, largely led by Gen Z demonstrators, began over power and water shortages but have expanded to include wider grievances such as high living costs, unemployment, access to education, and alleged corruption. Demonstrators have drawn inspiration from other youth-led protest movements in Nepal and Sri Lanka.
On Tuesday, thousands of protestors gathered in Antananarivo’s central square, continuing their calls for the president’s resignation. “We do not get a constant supply of electricity and water from the government,” said protester Soavololona Faraniaina. “If Madagascan children are studying in darkness where will the future of this nation be?”
The CAPSAT unit , which also played a key role in Rajoelina’s rise to power in 2009, turned against him over the weekend and now claims command of all armed forces. The unit has appointed new military and security chiefs, although it denied staging a coup, saying citizens should decide what happens next.
In a pre-recorded video posted on Facebook, Rajoelina urged respect for the constitution and rejected demands for his resignation. The broadcast was originally intended for state TV and radio but was only released online after soldiers reportedly entered the state broadcaster’s offices.
Rajoelina, 51, was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023. Madagascar, a former French colony, has a history of military-backed transitions of power since gaining independence in 1960.
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