Madagascar Military Seizes Power Amid Youth Protests, President Rajoelina Ousted
Madagascar has plunged into fresh political turmoil after an elite military unit announced that it had seized control of the government, ending President Andry Rajoelina’s rule following weeks of youth-led protests across the country.
Standing before the presidential palace in the capital Antananarivo on Tuesday, Colonel Michael Randrianirina — head of the powerful CAPSAT (Personnel Administration and Technical and Administrative Services Corps) — declared that the military had taken power. He pledged to form a transitional government, dissolve key democratic institutions, and hold national elections within two years.
“The movement began in the streets, and we must respect their demands,” Col. Randrianirina said, referring to the massive youth demonstrations that had swept the island nation for weeks.
As the announcement spread, thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Antananarivo, waving Madagascar’s red, white, and green flags while cheering and embracing soldiers. Fireworks erupted in the distance as the crowd chanted slogans celebrating what they saw as a people’s victory.
Power Shift in Antananarivo
CAPSAT is widely regarded as Madagascar’s most powerful military unit. It was the same force that backed Rajoelina’s dramatic rise to power in 2009 — but in a striking reversal, it joined the protesters over the weekend, marking a turning point in the political crisis.
On Tuesday, Madagascar’s constitutional court confirmed Col. Randrianirina as the country’s new leader. However, a statement from the president’s office rejected the move, describing it as an “attempted coup d’état.”
Rajoelina’s current whereabouts remain unclear. He later claimed he was in a “safe place” after surviving what he called an “assassination attempt” by rogue military figures and politicians. CAPSAT officials, however, denied any involvement in such an incident.
There are unconfirmed reports suggesting that Rajoelina may have been flown out of the country aboard a French military aircraft, though French authorities have not commented on the matter.
US and African Union Call for Calm
The U.S. State Department urged all parties to “pursue a peaceful solution in line with the constitutional order,” while the African Union (AU) warned against “any unconstitutional change of government.”
French President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as “greatly worrying,” calling for restraint and respect for democratic principles.
Speaking to the BBC, Col. Randrianirina insisted that the military had stepped in to restore order. “There is chaos right now — there’s no president; he’s gone abroad,” he said.
Protests Sparked by Power and Water Cuts
The unrest began more than two weeks ago, when young demonstrators — largely Gen Z activists — took to the streets over severe water shortages and frequent power cuts that have crippled homes and businesses.
But the movement quickly evolved into broader protests against corruption, high unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis that has left millions struggling.
“We are tired of empty promises,” one protester told local media. “We want leaders who listen to the people, not to foreign investors.”
According to United Nations estimates, at least 22 people have died and more than 100 have been injured in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The government disputes these figures, dismissing them as “rumors and misinformation.”
Rajoelina’s Rise and Fall
Andry Rajoelina, once hailed as Africa’s youngest leader when he first assumed power in 2009 at the age of 34, rose from being a disc jockey and entrepreneur to the presidency after a military-backed coup. He ruled until 2014 and returned to office following a 2018 election victory.
Initially seen as a reformist modernizer, Rajoelina promised to fight corruption and improve infrastructure. However, his popularity waned amid growing allegations of nepotism, mismanagement, and cronyism — claims he has repeatedly denied.
In a Facebook address broadcast on Monday, Rajoelina vowed to “protect democracy” and accused “foreign forces” of fueling unrest. Yet, just 24 hours later, the military declared his presidency over.
A Government in Free Fall
In a final attempt to cling to power, Rajoelina tried to dissolve the National Assembly before lawmakers could move to impeach him. The effort failed.
On Tuesday, members of parliament voted overwhelmingly to remove him from office — 130 votes in favor, with just one abstention. Even lawmakers from his own party, IRMAR, supported his impeachment.
Rajoelina denounced the decision as “null and void,” insisting he remained the legitimate president of Madagascar.
Despite his resistance, power has effectively shifted to Col. Randrianirina and the CAPSAT-led transitional council, which is now tasked with governing a nation on the brink.
A Nation in Crisis
Madagascar’s political instability adds to the deep social and economic challenges facing the island nation of 30 million. The World Bank estimates that nearly 75% of the population lives below the poverty line, while chronic droughts, food shortages, and corruption have worsened living conditions.
The country has endured repeated political upheavals over the past two decades — including coups in 2002 and 2009 — that have deterred foreign investment and slowed development.
Experts warn that this latest crisis could trigger a new wave of instability. “Madagascar is standing at a crossroads,” said one regional analyst. “Without genuine dialogue and accountability, the country risks sliding into prolonged unrest.”
For now, soldiers patrol the capital’s streets while protesters continue to celebrate what they call a “revolution of the people.” Yet uncertainty looms large.
As one young demonstrator put it, “We fought for change, but we don’t know what comes next.”