Madagascar experienced a dramatic shift in power as an elite military unit, CAPSAT, assumed control of the country following the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina.
The move came after the national assembly voted to remove Rajoelina for desertion of duty, amid weeks of anti-government protests over power shortages and water supply issues.
On Tuesday commander Colonel Michael Randrianirina addressed the public outside the Presidential Palace in Antananarivo, announcing, “It is this committee that will carry out the work of the presidency.
Advertisement
At the same time, after a few days, we will set up a civilian government. We have taken power.”
The military’s takeover was met with celebrations in the streets of the capital, with citizens cheering and waving as armored Humvees and trucks moved through the city.
Businesswoman Baovola Zanarison Rakotomanga said, “It’s a huge joy. We have suffered for so long… we hope to now be able to move forward, united.”
Despite the military’s assertion, the presidency condemned the takeover as “a clear act of attempted coup” and insisted that Rajoelina, reportedly out of the country, “remains fully in office.”
Late Monday, Rajoelina declared he was in a “safe place to protect my life” and vowed, “I am on a mission to find solutions” to the ongoing crisis.
The constitutional court later validated the impeachment and confirmed Randrianirina’s authority, while international bodies, including the United Nations and African Union, expressed concern.
United nations (UN) spokesperson Farhan Haq commented, “We’re trying to see exactly what happens, once the dust is settled.”
The development leaves Madagascar in a fragile political state as the military consolidates power and pledges to establish a civilian government in the coming days.
