UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced deep concern over the military’s seizure of power in Madagascar, describing it as an “unconstitutional change of power.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, Guterres urged all Malagasy stakeholders to engage in dialogue to peacefully address the ongoing crisis and its underlying causes.
He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working alongside the African Union and the Southern African Development Community to restore peace, stability, and democratic governance in the island nation.
The military in Madagascar announced on Tuesday that it would assume collective presidential authority for a two-year transitional period, during which a referendum will be held to establish a new Constitution. In the wake of the takeover, five key institutions — including the High Constitutional Court, the Senate, and the Independent National Electoral Commission — have been suspended, leaving the National Assembly as the only functioning state body. The development marks a significant setback for Madagascar’s fragile democracy, drawing swift international concern and calls for restraint.