A faction of Madagascar’s military has seized control of the government hours after parliament voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, plunging the Indian Ocean nation into its most serious political crisis in more than a decade.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, speaking to reporters in the capital, Antananarivo, on Tuesday, said the army had “taken power” and “dissolved all institutions of the republic.”
The declaration followed a vote in parliament to remove President Rajoelina from office amid allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and mismanagement.
The latest events mark the most serious power crisis in Madagascar since the 2009 coup that first brought Rajoelina to power. The president, who had earlier attempted to dissolve parliament to avert impeachment, reportedly fled the country after losing the support of key sections of the armed forces.
Political Crisis Escalates
According to Reuters and The Associated Press, Rajoelina’s decision to dissolve parliament on Monday was intended to block impeachment proceedings initiated by lawmakers. However, the legislative vote went ahead, with a majority of parliamentarians backing his removal.
Following the vote, a faction of the military aligned with Colonel Randrianirina declared that it was assuming authority “to restore order and stability,” citing the breakdown of governance and nationwide unrest.
In his statement, Randrianirina said, “We have taken responsibility for the destiny of our nation. All institutions of the republic are dissolved.”
He did not immediately specify whether a transitional authority would be established or when elections might be held.
Rajoelina’s office has not issued a formal statement since the military announcement. Sources cited by The Guardian said the president left Madagascar late Monday night “in fear for his life” as protests intensified in Antananarivo.
Economic and Social Backdrop
The political turmoil comes amid widespread economic hardship, power shortages, and youth-led demonstrations that have gripped Madagascar for months. The unrest, often referred to as the “Gen Z movement,” has been driven by frustration over corruption, high living costs, and weak infrastructure.
Analysts say these protests, combined with declining public confidence in government institutions, created the environment for a military intervention.
Madagascar’s economy, heavily dependent on vanilla exports, tourism, and mining, has struggled to recover from years of political instability. Inflation and a severe drought in the south have further strained livelihoods, pushing unemployment and poverty to record highs.
International Response and Uncertainty
Regional and global leaders have begun reacting cautiously to the developments. The African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) have called for restraint, urging all parties to prioritize constitutional order and avoid violence.
France, Madagascar’s former colonial power, has expressed “deep concern” and said it is closely monitoring the situation. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is expected to convene an emergency session to discuss the unfolding crisis.
While the military insists that its actions were necessary to “protect the nation’s stability,” opposition figures and civil society groups have warned that the move amounts to a military coup and risks plunging the country back into prolonged instability.
Political observers note that the situation remains fluid, with no clear leadership structure announced and uncertainty over whether the rest of the armed forces will align with Randrianirina’s faction.
Outlook
The seizure of power by the military underscores the fragility of Madagascar’s democratic institutions and the recurring pattern of political unrest that has defined the nation’s modern history.
If confirmed as a coup, Madagascar would join a growing list of African nations that have experienced military takeovers in recent years, further testing the continent’s democratic resilience.
The next few days will determine whether negotiations can produce a transitional arrangement or whether Madagascar faces another cycle of isolation, sanctions, and economic stagnation.
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