The African Union (AU) has suspended Madagascar from all its activities following a military takeover that removed President Andry Rajoelina from power, escalating a political crisis that has gripped the island nation for weeks.
Madagascar’s constitutional court on Tuesday declared Rajoelina’s seat vacant and named Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite army unit CAPSAT, as the country’s new leader. The decision followed reports that Rajoelina fled the country on Sunday after sections of the military defected and aligned with youth-led protests that had been ongoing for weeks.
After assuming control of the government, Randrianirina announced the suspension of all constitutional institutions, including the senate, the constitutional court, and the electoral commission. The lower house of parliament was spared, having earlier moved to impeach Rajoelina. The ousted president rejected the move, insisting that his impeachment was “null and void”.
Addressing the AU peace and security council on Wednesday, Mahmoud Youssouf, chairperson of the commission, reaffirmed the AU’s position on constitutional governance. Youssouf condemned the military intervention, stating that the union maintained “an unwavering respect for constitutional order and peaceful resolution of disputes.” He added, “The rule of law must prevail over the rule of force. Our approach is grounded in law and dialogue.”
Citing an AU spokesperson, Reuters reported that the bloc had suspended Madagascar with immediate effect, although no additional details were provided.
Randrianirina initially stated that the military would govern alongside a transitional authority for up to two years before organizing national elections. However, the constitutional court has ordered that elections be held within 60 days, setting the stage for a potential power struggle between military authorities and civilian institutions.
The AU suspension isolates Madagascar diplomatically at a time of heightened tension, signaling international pressure for a swift return to democratic rule.
