Political Turmoil in Madagascar
Madagascar’s President Andriy Rajoelina seems to have reached a critical juncture, as he reportedly fled the nation on Tuesday amid growing rumors of a coup. Just prior to his departure, he attempted to dissolve parliament, likely to stave off impeachment proceedings.
Public protests against Rajoelina’s government erupted in mid-September, fueled by widespread discontent over ongoing power and water shortages. Many citizens also voiced their frustration with rampant government corruption.
The protests resonated with the “Gen Z” movement, involving young people from various developing nations who are frustrated with entrenched and corrupt leadership. Demonstrators in Madagascar found inspiration in protests taking place in countries like Nepal and Indonesia.
In response to the protests, Rajoelina attempted to suppress them through violent police action, which only solidified the protesters’ determination. A significant shift occurred on Saturday when the elite military unit, known as CAPSAT, intervened, rallying in support of the protesters and demanding Rajoelina’s resignation.
CAPSAT operates under the Madagascan army and is recognized for its logistical support rather than direct combat. Although it isn’t a large unit, its influence is considerable, particularly because many of its actions have historically benefited civilians. In fact, during a similar uprising in 2009, only a small number of CAPSAT members were involved, yet they played a crucial role in transferring power.
The irony is striking: after the 2009 revolt, Rajoelina himself was elevated to the presidency. He was elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, though both elections faced criticism for alleged fraud. Now it seems that the tide may be turning against him.
CAPSAT members remarked that their intervention stemmed from witnessing police use brutal tactics against demonstrators. One soldier indicated that the military had strayed from its mission, citing a loss of integrity due to being ordered to carry out potentially illegal actions.
Reacting to the turmoil, Rajoelina issued a statement asserting that an “illegal and violent attempt to seize power” was ongoing, a claim he made to both the public and international community. While the presidential palace maintained that Rajoelina was still in the country and managing affairs, military officials confirmed he had retreated to an undisclosed location. On Monday, he had planned a televised address but altered his intentions after reported threats from armed groups targeting state media.
On the following day, CAPSAT announced it had taken control of Madagascar’s military, directing all forces to refrain from firing on protesters. They called on the rest of the security apparatus to stand united against orders to attack demonstrators, urging solidarity with fellow soldiers and civilians.
In a last-ditch effort to retain his position, Rajoelina attempted to dissolve the National Assembly before impeachment proceedings could begin. He framed this move as a necessary step to restore order and to amplify the voices of the youth calling for change.
However, opposition leaders quickly dismissed his actions as unconstitutional and proceeded to initiate impeachment efforts. Reports emerged from outside the presidential palace that Rajoelina had indeed been impeached and that military forces had assumed power.
Col. Michael Landrianilina, a military spokesman, affirmed, “We have seized power.” He elaborated that the upper house of parliament had been dissolved, the constitution suspended, and that a military and police council would take charge until a new prime minister was appointed—indicating that Rajoelina’s recent appointment as prime minister was no longer valid.
Amid these developments, Landrianilina stated that the military intervention was necessary to prevent complete chaos in the country, stressing that they remained committed to following a legal chain of command within the armed forces.
