Madagascar’s military has taken control of the government after days of escalating protests, largely led by Gen-Z demonstrators, forced President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country. The takeover marks one of the most dramatic political upheavals in the island nation’s recent history.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led a mutiny of soldiers siding with the protesters, announced on national radio on Tuesday that the army had “taken power” and assumed control of the state. “We have taken the power,” he declared, pledging that the military would work to restore stability and order after weeks of chaos.
According to reports from CNN and Daily Post, the military has dissolved all state institutions except for the National Assembly, which had just voted to impeach President Rajoelina. The move came only minutes before the embattled president attempted to dissolve the Assembly by decree a decision that further enraged demonstrators and deepened the crisis.
Rajoelina, 51, fled Madagascar aboard a French military jet as violence intensified in the capital, Antananarivo. Dozens of protesters were reportedly injured in clashes with security forces over the weekend, and several people were feared dead. Despite leaving the country, Rajoelina has so far refused to formally resign, calling the military’s actions “an unconstitutional coup.”
The unrest has been driven largely by the country’s younger population, particularly Gen-Z activists frustrated by widespread unemployment, corruption, and poor governance. Many accuse Rajoelina’s administration of ignoring the needs of ordinary citizens while enriching a small political elite.
Protests began peacefully last month but quickly escalated after police cracked down on demonstrators demanding the president’s resignation. Social media platforms such as TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook became rallying points for young activists, amplifying calls for transparency, accountability, and a “new era” of leadership.
Colonel Randrianirina has promised to form an interim governing council until “constitutional order can be restored.” However, international observers warn that the military’s intervention could plunge Madagascar into further instability if no clear roadmap toward democratic elections is announced soon.
Regional organizations, including the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have condemned the power grab and urged restraint on all sides. France, Madagascar’s former colonial ruler, has also expressed concern, calling for dialogue and respect for constitutional processes.
Madagascar, an island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa, has a long history of political unrest. Rajoelina himself first rose to power in 2009 after leading a military-backed coup that ousted then-President Marc Ravalomanana. His latest ouster, sparked by the same frustrations that once brought him to power, now places the country at yet another political crossroads.
As protests continue and the military tightens control, the future of Madagascar remains uncertain with many citizens, especially its youth, watching closely to see whether this marks the beginning of real change or another cycle of political instability.
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