Madagascar’s military has taken control of the Indian Ocean island nation, an army colonel said on Tuesday, after President Andry Rajoelina fled abroad during a standoff with youth-led protesters and security forces.
Rajoelina was reported to have moved to a safe location due to threats against his life, following demonstrations that erupted on September 25 over water and power shortages.
The protests quickly escalated into a wider uprising over grievances including corruption, poor governance, and a lack of basic services.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina announced the military takeover in a national radio broadcast, stating that the armed forces were dissolving all state institutions except the lower house of parliament (the National Assembly), which had voted to impeach Rajoelina just minutes earlier.
“We have taken the power,” said Randrianirina, who led a mutiny of soldiers that joined anti-government Gen Z demonstrators.
He added that the elite military unit he belongs to, the CAPSAT, would form a governing committee made up of officers from the army, paramilitary gendarmerie, and national police.
“Perhaps in time, it will include senior civilian advisers. It is this committee that will carry out the work of the presidency,” Randrianirina stated.
“At the same time, after a few days, we will set up a civilian government.”
The military has suspended the country’s Senate, the High Constitutional Court, the electoral commission, and other state bodies, leaving the National Assembly as the only functioning legislative institution.
On Tuesday, 130 members of parliament voted to impeach the president, well above the two-thirds constitutional threshold required.
Later in the day, the High Constitutional Court declared the presidency vacant, inviting the military, under Randrianirina’s leadership—to assume the functions of the head of state.
In response, the presidency issued a Facebook statement condemning the military’s takeover, insisting that Rajoelina remained the legitimate leader of the country.
“The presence of armed military forces in front of the presidential palace constitutes a clear act of attempted coup d’état,” the statement said.
“The President of the Republic remains fully in office and ensures the maintenance of constitutional order and national stability,” it added.
