ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR — An elite military unit in Madagascar says it has seized power from President Andry Rajoelina, following weeks of youth-led protests that have rocked the Indian Ocean island nation.
Standing outside the Presidential Palace, Col. Michael Randrianirina, head of the elite CAPSAT military unit, announced that the army had taken control of the government. He declared the suspension of key democratic institutions including the electoral commission and promised to hold elections within two years.
“We have seized power,” Randrianirina said, adding that Gen Z protesters who led the demonstrations “will be part of the transition process because the movement was created in the streets, and we must respect their demands.”
Thousands celebrate President’s ouster
In the capital, Antananarivo, crowds of jubilant citizens and soldiers flooded the streets, waving national flags and chanting in celebration of what many described as the end of Rajoelina’s rule.
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court named Col. Randrianirina as Madagascar’s new leader. However, a statement from the president’s office insisted that Rajoelina remained in charge and condemned what it called an “attempted coup d’état.”
The president’s exact whereabouts remain unknown. Rajoelina said in a statement that he was sheltering in a “safe place” following an alleged assassination attempt by “military personnel and politicians” a claim CAPSAT has denied. Unconfirmed reports suggest he may have been flown out of the country on a French military aircraft.
“Chaos Reigns,” says new military chief
Col. Randrianirina told the BBC that “Madagascar is a country where chaos reigns right now because there’s no president, he’s gone abroad.”
The unrest began more than two weeks ago after young protesters took to the streets to denounce persistent water and electricity cuts. What started as local frustration quickly escalated into nationwide anti-government demonstrations.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have died and more than 100 others were injured during clashes with security forces. The Malagasy government has dismissed these figures, describing them as “rumours and misinformation.”
Background: Rajoelina’s rise and fall
CAPSAT was the same military unit that helped Rajoelina seize power in 2009. Back then, the young entrepreneur-turned-politician was seen as a symbol of change, becoming Africa’s youngest leader at just 34 years old.
However, his popularity faded in recent years amid accusations of corruption, cronyism, and economic mismanagement. Charges he has repeatedly denied.
Despite losing military backing, Rajoelina attempted to dissolve the national assembly before lawmakers could vote to strip him of power. The move failed, and parliament voted overwhelmingly to impeach him 130 votes to one blank ballot with even members of his ruling party supporting the decision.
Rajoelina rejected the impeachment, calling it “null and void.”
International reaction
The African Union (AU) has warned against military intervention in Madagascar’s political affairs, condemning “any attempt at unconstitutional changes of government.”
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as “greatly worrying,” urging calm and respect for democratic order.
Madagascar, one of the poorest nations in the world, has endured repeated political crises over the past two decades. According to the World Bank, nearly 75% of its 30 million citizens live below the poverty line.
What happens next?
Col. Randrianirina has pledged to oversee a transitional government with youth representatives, promising elections within 24 months. However, regional observers warn that political instability could deepen if rival factions fail to reach consensus on the way forward.
For now, the island remains tense, torn between celebration and uncertainty, as soldiers patrol the streets of Antananarivo and the world watches Madagascar’s fragile democracy hang in the balance.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as the situation unfolds in Antananarivo.
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