Madagascar was thrown into deeper political crisis after an elite military unit announced it had seized power, following a dramatic impeachment vote against President Andry Rajoelina. Colonel Michael Randrianirina of the elite CAPSAT unit declared on national radio: “We have taken the power.” The unit had earlier broken ranks with the presidency, joining protesters who have staged weeks of demonstrations demanding Rajoelina’s resignation.
Lawmakers in the national assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach the president, delivering 130 votes in favour against a single blank ballot. In a major blow to Rajoelina, members of his own IRMAR party took part in the vote. The High Constitutional Court is now expected to validate the decision.
Rajoelina, whose current location is unclear, made a live address via Facebook from what he called a “safe place”, rejecting the impeachment proceedings. He insisted the national assembly had already been dissolved and declared the vote “null and void.”
As tension escalated, an army general stated that security forces were working together to maintain order. Protesters, including civil servants and trade unions, have continued to gather in Antananarivo, waving Malagasy flags and chanting for Rajoelina to step down. What began as demonstrations against crippling water and power cuts quickly evolved into a nationwide movement denouncing corruption, rising living costs and alleged cronyism within the government.
International concern is growing, with French President Emmanuel Macron describing the situation as “greatly worrying.” Reports have circulated that French forces may have airlifted Rajoelina from the country, although Paris has not confirmed this.
Rajoelina, 51, a former DJ turned politician who first came to power in a 2009 coup, has seen his once-youthful appeal fade amid mounting accusations of misrule. CAPSAT officers have publicly denied wanting to harm him, dismissing claims of an assassination plot after the president alleged he was forced into hiding due to threats from military figures and political rivals.
The African Union has warned the Malagasy armed forces against any “unconstitutional change of government”, urging restraint and respect for democratic processes. Meanwhile, opposition leader Marc Ravalomanana described the situation as a “power vacuum,” calling for a “peaceful, inclusive and responsible transition.”
As events unfold at pace, Rajoelina’s decree to dissolve parliament has been dismissed by opposition lawmakers as illegitimate. Air France has extended its suspension of flights to Madagascar due to instability, while Rajoelina continues to reshuffle his inner circle, naming Lova Tahina Rajaoarinelina as a new special adviser tasked with managing institutional relations.
With soldiers stationed outside the presidential palace and the CAPSAT unit asserting authority, Madagascar stands on the brink of a full military transition of power, its democratic future uncertain.
