Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina made a dramatic move on Tuesday, announcing the dissolution of Parliament just as lawmakers were poised to initiate an impeachment vote against him. This bold step is his latest attempt to cling to power amidst escalating, weeks-long youth-led protests against his administration.
The nation has been gripped by widespread unrest, with initial demonstrations sparked by the government’s inability to provide basic services like water and electricity quickly evolving into broader calls for change. In a significant turn of events, some segments of Madagascar’s security forces have now sided with the protesters. Despite this growing opposition, President Rajoelina remains unyielding. In a televised address on Monday, he claimed to be in hiding due to threats on his life, yet defiantly pledged to continue his efforts to ‘save the country’.
Defying the presidential decree, opposition members of Parliament proceeded with their planned impeachment vote against Mr. Rajoelina. The president promptly declared this action unconstitutional, further escalating the constitutional crisis.
President Rajoelina’s current location remains a mystery. However, Prime Minister Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo relayed a message to The New York Times, stating that the president indicated in his Monday address that he was on an unspecified mission outside the country.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.