An elite military unit in Madagascar on Tuesday announced it had seized control of the country shortly after parliament impeached President Andry Rajoelina, following weeks of anti-government protests over worsening living conditions.
The move by the CAPSAT unit, which played a key role in the 2009 coup that first brought Rajoelina to power, sparked celebrations across the capital, Antananarivo. Commander Colonel Michael Randrianirina declared that the army had taken charge and suspended the constitution.
“It is this committee that will carry out the work of the presidency,” Randrianirina said, referring to a governing council comprising officers from the army, gendarmerie and police. “After a few days, we will set up a civilian government.”
The presidency immediately denounced the development as “a clear act of attempted coup,” insisting that Rajoelina, who is reportedly outside the country, “remains fully in office.”
The 51-year-old leader, facing growing pressure to resign, had resisted calls to step down as protests spread across the country. Demonstrations that began on September 25 over power and water shortages soon morphed into a broader movement against his rule and the political elite.
On Monday night, Rajoelina said in a televised address that he was in a “safe place to protect my life,” adding that he was “on a mission to find solutions” to the crisis. He gave no indication of stepping down, saying he would not allow the nation to “destroy itself.” Reports suggested he might have fled to Dubai with France’s help.
Parliament, however, voted overwhelmingly to impeach him - 130 members in favour, well above the two-thirds threshold - despite a last-minute attempt by the presidency to dissolve the legislature. The constitutional court later upheld the impeachment and recognised the army’s authority.
Crowds erupted in jubilation in the capital after the military’s declaration, waving flags and following the convoy of soldiers through the streets. “It’s a huge joy,” said businesswoman Baovola Zanarison Rakotomanga. “We have suffered for so long; we hope we can now move forward united.”
At Tuesday’s rally, many protesters directed their anger toward France, Madagascar’s former colonial power, accusing Paris of interference. “It’s like they’re colonising us again,” said civil engineer Koloina Rakotomavonirina, 26. “We want them to leave our island for good.”
The African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the United Nations all voiced concern over the unfolding crisis. UN spokesman Farhan Haq said the organisation opposed any military takeover, noting, “We’re trying to see exactly what happens, once the dust is settled.”
The United States also urged calm, calling on all sides to “pursue a peaceful solution in line with the constitutional order.” Under US law, aid may be suspended if a coup is officially recognised. Washington provided roughly $32 million in assistance to Madagascar last year, mostly in health-related aid.
With the military now in control and the president in hiding, Madagascar, a country with a history of coups and deep poverty, faces an uncertain political future once again.
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