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A distinguished military unit in Madagascar has announced the seizure of power from President Andry Rajoelina, following weeks of protests led by the nation’s youth.
Col. Michael Randrianirina, chief of the Personnel Administration and Technical and Administrative Services Corps (Capsat), declared outside the presidential palace on Tuesday that the military would establish a new government and conduct elections within a two-year timeframe. He also stated the suspension of key democratic institutions, including the electoral commission.
Col. Randrianirina emphasized that “Gen Z” protesters would be included in the transitional process, citing the movement’s origins in the streets and the need to respect their demands.
Reports indicate celebrations among troops and protesters over the apparent removal of President Rajoelina, with thousands seen waving flags in the capital, Antananarivo.
Capsat, the Personnel Administration and Technical and Administrative Services Corps, is considered the most influential military unit in Madagascar.
Notably, Capsat previously supported Rajoelina’s rise to power in 2009, but aligned with the protesters on Saturday.
Despite these developments, Madagascar’s constitutional court has reportedly named Col. Randrianirina as the country’s new leader. Meanwhile, a statement from the president’s office asserted that President Rajoelina remains in charge, denouncing the events as an “attempted coup d’etat.”
President Rajoelina’s current whereabouts are unknown. He has stated that he is sheltering in a “safe place” after an alleged attempt on his life by “military personnel and politicians.” Capsat has denied any involvement in the alleged attempt.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that President Rajoelina may have been transported out of the country on a French military aircraft.
On Tuesday, the U.S. State Department issued a statement urging all parties “to pursue a peaceful solution in line with the constitutional order.”
In an interview with the BBC, Col. Randrianirina characterized Madagascar as “a country where chaos reigns right now.”
He stated, “Chaos because there’s no president – he’s gone abroad.”
The recent unrest began just over two weeks ago, sparked by a youth-led movement protesting against chronic water and power outages throughout the country.
These demonstrations subsequently escalated, reflecting wider dissatisfaction with President Rajoelina’s administration over issues such as high unemployment, widespread corruption, and the escalating cost-of-living crisis.
Clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in at least 22 fatalities and over 100 injuries, according to the United Nations. However, the Malagasy government has disputed these figures, describing them as based on “rumours and misinformation.”
President Rajoelina, an entrepreneur and former DJ, was initially viewed as a symbol of hope for Madagascar.
He assumed the presidency at the age of 34, becoming the youngest leader in Africa and governing for four years before returning to power following the 2018 election.
However, his popularity waned amidst allegations of cronyism and corruption, which he has denied.
Despite the apparent shift in power, President Rajoelina has continued to attempt to exert influence over events.
He attempted to dissolve the national assembly to prevent the opposition from voting to remove him from the presidency for alleged abandonment of his post, but this effort was unsuccessful.
Lawmakers ultimately voted to impeach President Rajoelina by a margin of 130 votes to one abstention on Tuesday. Even members of his own party, Irmar, overwhelmingly supported the impeachment.
President Rajoelina has rejected the vote, deeming it “null and void.”
The African Union (AU) has issued a warning against military “meddling” in Madagascar’s political affairs, rejecting “any attempt at unconstitutional changes of government.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has described the situation as “greatly worrying.”
The island nation has experienced a series of political crises in recent years.
Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries, with 75% of its 30 million citizens living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.
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