Madagascar’s military announced on Tuesday, October 14, that it has taken control of State power through a newly formed military Council comprising members of the Army, Gendarmerie and National Police.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, speaking on behalf of the council, cited violations of the Constitution and human rights as justification for the takeover. He declared the suspension of the Constitution and the dissolution of key state institutions, including the Senate, the High Constitutional Court and the National Independent Electoral Commission. Randrianirina said a civilian government will soon be formed to lead a two-year transitional process aimed at restoring trust, promoting good governance and preparing for a constitutional referendum followed by general elections.
The military intervention followed heightened political tension after the National Assembly impeached President Andry Rajoelina on Tuesday, only hours after he had announced the assembly’s dissolution. Of the 131 lawmakers present, 130 voted in favour of impeachment. The Vice President of the Assembly, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, dismissed Rajoelina’s dissolution decree as “legally invalid.” The crisis erupted from widespread protests beginning in late September over power outages and water shortages, which escalated into calls for the president’s resignation. As some army units declared support for demonstrators, Rajoelina accused dissident officers of plotting an armed coup, saying in a video message on Monday that he had sought refuge in a “safe location” following an alleged assassination attempt.