Madagascar Military Takes Control Amid Political Turmoil
In a dramatic turn of events, a military colonel in Madagascar has declared that the armed forces are seizing control of the nation. This announcement was made in front of the ceremonial presidential palace in Antananarivo shortly after the parliament voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, leader of the elite CAPSAT military unit, stated emphatically, "We are taking power."
President Rajoelina, who has faced mounting youth protests over issues such as poverty, power outages, and limited opportunities, has reportedly fled the country for his safety. His administration has denounced the military’s actions as an "attempted coup d’état" and an "illegal declaration," insisting that Rajoelina remains in office.
Colonel Randrianirina announced plans to establish a council comprising military and gendarmerie officers, with a prime minister to be appointed soon to form a civilian government. He also revealed that the constitution and the powers of the High Constitutional Court have been suspended, with a referendum scheduled to take place in two years, although specifics regarding the vote remain unclear.
The situation escalated as Rajoelina faced increasing pressure to resign amid widespread protests, particularly from younger generations known as Gen Z, who have voiced their frustrations over various social and economic issues. The protests intensified when Colonel Randrianirina and his troops joined demonstrators, turning against Rajoelina.
In an effort to thwart the impeachment process, Rajoelina issued a decree dissolving the lower house of parliament from an undisclosed location. However, lawmakers ignored his decree and voted overwhelmingly in favor of impeachment.
As of now, Rajoelina’s whereabouts are unknown, with reports indicating that he has sought refuge outside the country due to concerns for his safety. Madagascar, which was once a French colony, has a history of military coups since gaining independence in 1960, including the 2009 coup that elevated Rajoelina to power.
The protests, initially sparked by frustrations over electricity and water shortages, have evolved into widespread dissatisfaction with Rajoelina’s leadership. Demonstrators are voicing concerns about poverty, the high cost of living, access to education, and allegations of corruption among government officials.
According to the World Bank, approximately 75% of Madagascar’s 31 million residents live in poverty. On Tuesday, thousands of young protesters gathered in a central square in Antananarivo, continuing their calls for Rajoelina’s resignation. While the demonstrations remained largely peaceful, the atmosphere was charged with tension as soldiers patrolled in armored vehicles, receiving cheers from the crowd.
Protester Soavololona Faraniaina articulated the frustrations of many, stating, "We don’t have a reliable supply of electricity and water from the government. If children in Madagascar are forced to study in the dark, what hope does the country’s future hold? Where is the prosperous Madagascar that other nations once admired?"
As this political crisis unfolds, the future of Madagascar remains uncertain, with citizens eagerly watching for developments that could reshape their nation’s governance.
