Post by : Roman
D Marks
In a significant shift in power, the military of Madagascar has seized control after the parliament voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina. Colonel Michael Randrianirina announced this takeover, occurring amid sweeping youth-led protests in the capital, Antananarivo.
Facing public outrage and protests that involved soldiers, Rajoelina fled Madagascar. In a show of support for the military's move, crowds in Antananarivo celebrated as the military pledged to govern through a transitional phase lasting two years, during which a new constitution will be drafted and elections held to establish democratic institutions.
Colonel Randrianirina confirmed the suspension of major governmental bodies, including the Senate, High Constitutional Court, and the National Electoral Commission, leaving only the lower house operational. He assured that the military’s transitional committee would lead efforts to stabilize the nation.
Rajoelina's prior attempt to dissolve parliament led to a constitutional crisis when lawmakers proceeded with his impeachment. He branded the military’s actions an “attempted coup” and insisted that he is still the rightful leader committed to upholding constitutional governance.
The protests erupted on September 25, driven by young activists protesting against water shortages, power outages, escalating living costs, and government corruption. Tensions heightened when an elite military unit defied orders to quell the protests and instead sided with demonstrators; police later joined in, diminishing Rajoelina’s authority.
Over the course of these protests, at least 22 lives have been lost, and more than 100 individuals have sustained injuries. Madagascar, noted as one of the world’s poorest nations, grapples with critical infrastructure issues, with only one-third of its populace having reliable electricity and experiencing frequent blackouts lasting over eight hours.
Rajoelina initially came to power following a coup in 2009 and led a transitional government until 2014, later winning elections in 2019 and again in 2023. The recent protests mirror the growing dissatisfaction among youths, paralleling movements seen in countries such as Kenya, Indonesia, Peru, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
With military oversight now in place, Madagascar embarks on a vital phase of political transition. The upcoming months are crucial for addressing the needs of the populace and laying the groundwork for democratic elections under a revised constitution.
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