An elite military unit in Madagascar has declared it has seized power, ousting President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of intense youth-led protests. The head of the CAPSAT military unit, Col Michael Randrianirina, announced the takeover, stating that the military would establish a new government and hold elections within two years. Key democratic institutions, including the electoral commission, have been suspended.
Randrianirina emphasized that protestors, particularly the Gen Z movement, would be integral to the changes, acknowledging their crucial role in initiating the movement from the streets. Scenes of celebration have erupted in the capital, Antananarivo, with thousands of troops and civilians cheering and waving flags, marking the apparent end of Rajoelina’s presidency.
Despite the military’s announcement and reports of the constitutional court naming Col Randrianirina as the new leader, President Rajoelina’s office issued a statement asserting he remains in power and denouncing the events as an “attempted coup d’etat.” The President’s current location is undisclosed, with unconfirmed reports suggesting he may have been evacuated from the country via a French military aircraft. Rajoelina himself stated he is in a “safe place” after an alleged assassination attempt, which CAPSAT has denied involvement in.
Speaking to the BBC, Col Randrianirina described the current situation in Madagascar as chaotic, citing the absence of the president as a primary cause. The recent unrest stems from protests that began over two weeks ago, initially driven by public frustration over severe water and electricity shortages. These protests quickly broadened to encompass widespread discontent with the government, addressing issues such as high unemployment, alleged corruption, and the rising cost of living.
Reports from the UN indicate that clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in numerous casualties, though the Malagasy government has contested these figures. Notably, CAPSAT, which had previously supported Rajoelina’s rise to power in 2009, has now sided with the protestors.
President Rajoelina, a former entrepreneur, initially garnered support as a symbol of change for Madagascar, becoming president at the young age of 34. However, allegations of cronyism and corruption have since tarnished his image. Prior attempts by Rajoelina to dissolve the national assembly to preempt an impeachment vote for abandonment of post were unsuccessful, with lawmakers ultimately voting to impeach him. Rajoelina has since declared the impeachment vote invalid.
The African Union has voiced concern over military interference in Madagascar’s political landscape and has condemned any unconstitutional changes in government. French President Emmanuel Macron has also expressed significant worry regarding the developing situation on the island, which has experienced considerable political volatility in recent years. Madagascar remains one of the world’s poorest nations, with a substantial portion of its population living below the poverty line.