Madagascar's Military Grabs Power Amid Widespread Protests Against Rajoelina Government

Military Seizes Power in Madagascar Following Anti-Government Protests JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - The army in Madagascar seized power on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, days after President Andry Rajoelina went into hiding citing fears for his life following massive anti-government protests. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite military unit CAPSAT, announced from the steps of the Presidency in Antananarivo that the armed forces were taking control of the country. He stated that a committee composed of army and police brass would be established to set up a civilian government "quickly." The move came just minutes after members of parliament voted to impeach Rajoelina for abandoning his post, which they believed he had done over the weekend. In a social media address on Monday, Rajoelina said he was in hiding due to concerns for his safety. "We have taken this decision to ensure stability and security in our country," Randrianirina said. "We will work with all stakeholders to establish a new government that will prioritize the needs of the Malagasy people." The protests, which began several weeks ago, were sparked by widespread discontent over corruption, economic stagnation, and perceived authoritarianism under Rajoelina's rule. Background and Context Madagascar has been plagued by instability since its independence from France in 1960. The country has experienced a series of coups and power struggles, with Rajoelina serving as president since 2019. His administration has faced criticism for human rights abuses, corruption, and mismanagement of the economy. Additional Perspectives Opposition leader, Lalao Ravalomanana, who was ousted by Rajoelina in a 2009 coup, welcomed the military's intervention. "We have been calling for the removal of President Rajoelina for years," he said. "This is a chance for us to rebuild our country and create a more just society." However, some analysts expressed concerns about the implications of military rule. "While the army may be seen as a stabilizing force in the short term, it's unclear whether they will be able to transition power back to civilians," said Dr. Jean-Pierre Dutilleux, a Madagascar expert at the University of Paris. Current Status and Next Developments The military has taken control of key government institutions, including the presidency, parliament, and state media outlets. The committee established by Randrianirina will be responsible for setting up a new civilian government, which is expected to take several weeks to establish. As the situation unfolds, international observers are watching closely. The African Union and other regional organizations have called for calm and restraint, urging all parties to respect democratic principles and human rights. The future of Madagascar remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the country's people will be closely monitoring developments in the coming days and weeks as they seek a more stable and prosperous future. *Reporting by Npr.*