Army Announces Takeover After Weeks of Unrest
An elite military unit in Madagascar has announced that it has taken control of the government, ending weeks of escalating political turmoil that have rocked the Indian Ocean nation. The unit, known as CAPSAT (Special Autonomous Military Corps for Territorial Support), declared late Sunday that it had seized power and suspended key democratic institutions, citing national instability and alleged government corruption.
The move effectively ousts President Andry Rajoelina, who has faced mounting opposition and widespread protests across the country. CAPSAT officials said that while the takeover was necessary to restore order, democratic elections would be held within two years to return the nation to civilian rule.
Constitutional Court Recognises Military Leadership
Shortly after the military’s declaration, Madagascar’s Constitutional Court announced that Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite unit, had been named the country’s interim head of state.
In a televised address, Col. Randrianirina promised to “protect the sovereignty and unity of Madagascar,” saying the armed forces had “acted to prevent the total collapse of the state.”
He added that CAPSAT would form a “Transitional Council for National Restoration”, which will oversee reforms and prepare the country for democratic elections “no later than 2027.”
Despite the court’s endorsement, the president’s office rejected the decision, insisting that Andry Rajoelina remains the legitimate leader.
President Rajoelina’s Whereabouts Uncertain
President Rajoelina’s exact location remains unclear following the military’s announcement. Local reports suggest that he fled the capital, Antananarivo, aboard a French military aircraft, while other unconfirmed accounts claim he is sheltering in a secure location after surviving what he described as an “assassination attempt.”
In a brief audio message posted to social media, Rajoelina said, “I am in a safe place, protected by loyal forces. What is happening now is a betrayal of democracy and of our people.”
He also accused “foreign influences” of backing the coup — a claim that military officials dismissed as “an attempt to shift blame.”
Lawmakers Move to Impeach Rajoelina Before Coup
The political crisis intensified earlier this month when lawmakers voted to impeach President Rajoelina, accusing him of abuse of power, electoral manipulation, and failure to address rising poverty and unemployment.
Rajoelina swiftly rejected the impeachment motion as “null and void”, calling it unconstitutional and engineered by “foreign-backed opportunists.”
However, many analysts believe the impeachment vote signaled a deep rift within Madagascar’s ruling establishment, weakening Rajoelina’s hold on power and emboldening the military.
Protests and Youth-Led Movement Against the Government
Madagascar has been gripped by weeks of mass demonstrations, especially in the capital, with thousands of young protesters demanding Rajoelina’s resignation.
The protests, which began peacefully, were fueled by anger over rising food prices, youth unemployment, and corruption scandals involving government officials.
Witnesses reported violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators last week, with several people injured. Protesters accused the government of using excessive force to suppress dissent.
“The people have suffered enough,” said student activist Tiana Rakotomalala. “We want change and leaders who care about our future.”
CAPSAT officers later cited the government’s handling of the protests as a key reason for their intervention, claiming that the country was on the verge of “a national catastrophe.”
France and African Union Condemn the Power Grab
The French Foreign Ministry expressed “deep concern” over the military’s actions, urging a swift return to constitutional order. France, Madagascar’s former colonial power, has long maintained strong political and economic ties with the island nation.
The African Union (AU) also condemned the coup and announced it would suspend Madagascar’s membership until democratic governance is restored.
“The African Union stands firmly against any unconstitutional change of power,” said AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat. “We urge all stakeholders to engage in dialogue and avoid violence.”
The United Nations, too, has called for restraint and emphasized the importance of safeguarding human rights during the transition period.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Madagascar, home to nearly 30 million people, has endured a series of political crises since its independence from France in 1960. President Rajoelina himself first came to power through a military-backed coup in 2009, before being elected in 2019 amid promises of stability and economic growth.
However, growing public frustration with inequality, corruption, and joblessness has eroded his popularity, creating conditions ripe for another military intervention.
As uncertainty deepens, ordinary Malagasy citizens are bracing for more economic hardship. Analysts warn that prolonged instability could undermine foreign investment and exacerbate poverty in one of Africa’s poorest nations.
For now, Colonel Randrianirina’s junta faces mounting pressure—both domestically and internationally—to deliver on its promise of reform and democratic restoration.
