Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina initiated a significant political upheaval this week, dissolving the national assembly in a bid to thwart an opposition-led attempt to oust him from power. The island nation has been grappling with a escalating political crisis marked by deadly street demonstrations.
For over two weeks, President Rajoelina has been confronted by fierce protests, primarily driven by young citizens expressing profound frustration with the ruling elite. The intense unrest has reportedly forced the 51-year-old leader into a ‘safe space’ as he faces alleged threats to his life.
The presidential office announced the decree dissolving the assembly through immediate radio and television broadcasts, stating that it would take effect at once.
Defying persistent calls for his resignation, President Rajoelina defended his decision in a social media post, asserting that it was essential to ‘restore order’ and ‘strengthen democracy’ within the nation. He emphasized the importance of the public’s voice, declaring, ‘The People must be heard again. Make way for the youth.’
Earlier, opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko had declared plans to initiate a vote to impeach President Rajoelina on grounds of dereliction of duty, especially following reports that the president had fled the country.
Speaking from an undisclosed location, Mr. Rajoelina confirmed he was in a ‘safe space’ after attempts on his life, but did not reveal his whereabouts.
The protests, which began on September 25, reached a critical juncture when mutinous soldiers and security forces joined the demonstrators. These combined forces then called for the resignation of the president and other government ministers.
Notably, the elite CAPSAT unit was among the forces that joined the protests. This unit had played a pivotal role in the 2009 coup that originally brought Mr. Rajoelina to power.
In an earlier effort to quell the unrest, the President had dismissed his entire government last month.
Reports circulated that Mr. Rajoelina left Madagascar on a French military plane over the weekend, though this has not been officially confirmed by French officials.