Keypoints:
- Rajoelina flees amid youth uprising
- Soldiers join protesters in capital
- France urges constitutional order
MADAGASCAR’S military has taken charge of the Indian Ocean island after President Andry Rajoelina fled abroad during an escalating standoff with youth-led protesters and mutinous soldiers.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led a mutiny within the army, announced on national radio on Tuesday: ‘We have taken power.’
According to Reuters, Randrianirina said the military had dissolved all state institutions except the National Assembly, which had voted moments earlier to impeach Rajoelina.
President on the run
The 51-year-old president reportedly departed Madagascar aboard a French military aircraft after weeks of unrest. Although he maintains that he has not resigned, Rajoelina said he moved to a ‘safe location’ due to threats to his life.
Opposition leaders, a military source and a foreign diplomat confirmed to Reuters that Rajoelina left the country on Sunday. His office dismissed the parliamentary impeachment as unconstitutional and declared any such motion ‘null and void’.
Gen Z protests ignite mutiny
The current wave of demonstrations began on September 25 over chronic water and power shortages. The protests quickly grew into a national uprising against corruption, poor governance and inequality.
In the capital, Antananarivo, thousands of protesters converged on 13 May Square—lined with palm trees and colonial-era buildings—chanting anti-government slogans and waving banners inspired by the Japanese anime One Piece, which has become a symbol of the Gen Z protest movement.
Rajoelina, once popular among younger voters, faced growing anger over claims he was a ‘French stooge’ due to his dual nationality and close ties to Madagascar’s former coloniser.
Elite unit defects
The demonstrations took a decisive turn when members of CAPSAT, an elite army unit that helped Rajoelina seize power in a 2009 coup, joined the protesters.
Colonel Randrianirina, a prominent CAPSAT commander, addressed the crowd, asking: ‘Are you ready to accept a military takeover?’ His question drew cheers.
The paramilitary gendarmerie and police later followed suit, refusing orders to disperse demonstrators. CAPSAT troops were seen escorting marchers through Antananarivo, signalling the president’s loss of control over the security forces.
France calls for restraint
French President Emmanuel Macron urged all sides to uphold Madagascar’s constitutional order, warning that legitimate youth grievances should not be exploited by military factions.
‘France understands the frustrations expressed by Madagascar’s youth,’ Macron said, ‘but dialogue, not force, must resolve the crisis.’
Deep-rooted poverty fuels anger
Home to around 30 million people, Madagascar remains one of the world’s poorest nations. The World Bank says nearly three-quarters of its population live below the poverty line, while GDP per capita has fallen by 45 percent since independence in 1960.
With an average age under 20, the country’s restless youth are demanding reform, accusing political elites of enriching themselves while public services crumble.
Uncertain future
The military has pledged to restore order but offered no clear plan for a transition or new elections. International observers have expressed concern that the power grab could deepen instability in the region.
For Rajoelina, who first came to power through a coup before winning the presidency at the ballot box, the latest turn marks a dramatic reversal of fortune—and a warning that Madagascar’s youthful population may no longer tolerate the politics of old.
