In a dramatic shift of power, a faction within Madagascar’s military has announced the seizure of government control following the reported evacuation of President Andry Rajoelina from the country. This development comes amidst escalating tensions marked by protests from the younger population, largely motivated by grievances over high unemployment, escalating living costs, and pervasive government corruption. On the nation’s airwaves, Colonel Michael Randrianirina declared that they had assumed control and intended to dissolve governmental bodies, sparing only the National Assembly, Madagascar’s parliamentary lower house. (JURIST)
The move by the military’s CAPSAT unit coincides with President Rajoelina’s controversial attempt to dissolve the National Assembly. Many political figures viewed the decree as unconstitutional, interpreting it as a maneuver to obstruct impeachment procedures against him due to claims of “abandonment of post.” Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, a leading opposition figure, criticized the action as being without legal grounding. The dissolution attempt and subsequent coup amplify concerns over the political stability of Madagascar, which has been underscored by historical bouts of turmoil since achieving independence in 1960.
President Rajoelina, addressing the nation via a live broadcast, confirmed he was sheltering in a “safe place” amid claims of an assassination plot. He refrained from verifying reports that he left the island nation aboard a French military aircraft but maintained that a coalition of military personnel and political adversaries were conspiring against him. (Reuters)
The civil unrest, energizing significant segments of Madagascar’s youth, draws parallels to other global youth-led movements. In recent years, similar scenarios have unfolded, such as Bangladesh’s transformative protests in July 2024 and Nepal’s September 2025 demonstrations, both of which led to governmental resignations. In Morocco, the “Gen Z 212” movement continues to pressure the government for increased public spending. (New York Times)
Madagascar now faces a constitutional abyss, with ongoing confrontations between the military, political opposition, and supporters of President Rajoelina. The archipelago’s political narrative over recent decades, often marred by coups and unstable leadership transitions, might very well influence its current trajectory, raising questions about its governance and the path forward.