Madagascar’s political crisis deepened on Tuesday after the country’s military declared a takeover following the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina of an elite military unit announced that the armed forces were assuming control of the country, saying the move was necessary to “respond to the aspirations of the Malagasy people.”

“We are establishing a national reform mechanism that responds to the aspirations of the Malagasy people,” Randrianirina said in a statement outside the presidential palace. He added that the existing government structures outlined in the 2010 constitution were being dissolved to restore democracy and rebuild public trust.

The announcement came hours after Madagascar’s parliament voted to impeach Rajoelina, who has reportedly fled the country amid mounting unrest and divisions within the military.

Despite the power shift, Randrianirina said the National Assembly would continue to function and announced the formation of a transitional structure, including a joint presidency, a functioning government, and judicial reforms to be overseen by the Supreme Constitutional Court.

The takeover follows weeks of mass protests led by Gen Z demonstrators calling for political change. The situation escalated at the weekend when Randrianirina and his elite CAPSAT troops joined the demonstrations.

Soon after, Rajoelina accused his rivals of attempting to seize power and went into hiding, paving the way for Tuesday’s military declaration.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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