An elite military unit in Madagascar has announced it has seized power from President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of escalating youth-led protests. The Personnel Administration and Technical and Administrative Services Corps (CAPSAT), the most powerful military division in the country, declared that it would form a transitional government and hold elections within two years. The move marks another chapter in the island nation’s history of political instability.
Power Shift and Political Unrest
Standing outside the presidential palace in Antananarivo on Tuesday, Col. Michael Randrianirina, the head of CAPSAT, announced the suspension of several democratic institutions, including the national electoral commission. He stated that young protesters — who have led the demonstrations for over two weeks — would have a role in the transition process. “The movement was created in the streets, so we have to respect their demands,” Randrianirina said.
Thousands of citizens and troops gathered in the capital to celebrate what appears to be the ousting of President Rajoelina. Meanwhile, the constitutional court declared Randrianirina as the country’s interim leader, though Rajoelina’s office denounced the move as an “attempted coup d’état.” The president’s current whereabouts remain uncertain; reports suggest he may have been flown out of the country on a French military aircraft after an alleged assassination attempt.
Origins of the Uprising
The unrest began in response to widespread water and electricity shortages that have plagued Madagascar for months. What started as a youth-led protest over basic infrastructure quickly evolved into a broader movement expressing frustration over corruption, unemployment, and rising living costs. According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have died and more than 100 have been injured in clashes between protesters and security forces — figures that the government has disputed as “rumors and misinformation.”
Col. Randrianirina described the nation as being “in chaos,” citing the absence of legitimate leadership. The colonel’s declaration echoes widespread public sentiment that the government had failed to address mounting economic and social challenges in one of the world’s poorest countries.
Political Fallout and International Response
In a dramatic turn, Madagascar’s national assembly voted overwhelmingly — by 130 votes to one blank ballot — to impeach President Rajoelina, even as he attempted to dissolve parliament preemptively. Rajoelina dismissed the impeachment as “null and void,” but the move underscores how his support base has collapsed, including within his own party, Irmar.
International reactions have been swift. The African Union (AU) condemned the military intervention, warning against any “unconstitutional changes of government.” French President Emmanuel Macron described the events as “greatly worrying,” while the U.S. State Department urged all sides to pursue a peaceful, constitutional solution.
Background on Rajoelina’s Leadership
Once celebrated as a young reformer, Andry Rajoelina rose to power in 2009 with CAPSAT’s backing, becoming Africa’s youngest leader at 34. After stepping down in 2014, he returned to office in 2018, promising modernization and economic revival. However, his administration has been marred by accusations of cronyism and corruption, which he has consistently denied.
Madagascar remains among the world’s poorest nations, with more than 75% of its 30 million citizens living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. As the island enters yet another period of uncertainty, both domestic and international observers are closely watching how the new military-led transition will unfold.
The seizure of power by CAPSAT has plunged Madagascar into another political crisis, reflecting long-standing tensions between civilian authority and military influence. While the military promises new elections and reform, the suspension of democratic institutions raises concerns about the nation’s stability. With youth voices demanding change and global powers calling for restraint, Madagascar stands at a pivotal crossroads in its modern history.