Madagascar Enters New Era as Military Seizes Power, Ousted President Flees
Madagascar, the Indian Ocean island nation, is undergoing a dramatic political shift as its military takes control following the impeachment and subsequent flight of President Andry Rajoelina. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the leader of the elite Capsat army unit, is set to be sworn in as the transitional president. The African Union has suspended the country in response to the coup, and the United Nations has called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order.
Background and Context
Rajoelina, a former disc jockey who led the nation twice since 2009, fled the country after weeks of youth-led protests over corruption, poor governance, and shortages of water and electricity. According to TASS, anti-government demonstrations demanding Rajoelina's resignation erupted in Madagascar on September 25. The escalating street protests, led by Gen Z activists under the banner of We don’t want power, we want lights,
culminated in Rajoelina's impeachment by the parliament.
The Transition of Power
The Capsat army unit took control of the country moments after the impeachment vote. Colonel Randrianirina announced the formation of a government with civilian participation, to be established after his swearing-in. As reported by The Hindu, two sources revealed that he would be sworn in as president in the presence of officials from the High Constitutional Court, which invited him to serve as president on October 14.
As per the South China Morning Post, Randrianirina "will be sworn in as President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar during a solemn hearing of the High Constitutional Court” on October 17. The new military ruler has faced international criticism for the apparent coup, with Fox News reporting the suspension of the constitution and High Constitutional Court’s powers, and plans for a referendum in two years.
International Reaction and Implications
The African Union suspended Madagascar shortly after the military takeover, with Al Jazeera English reporting a call for the restoration of civilian rule. The United Nations also condemned the military takeover and urged a return to constitutional order. These international condemnations highlight a broader concern within Africa, with AllAfrica.com noting that the military power grab in Madagascar reveals that Africa's coup problem isn't restricted to the Sahel region.
The Current Situation and Looking Ahead
Despite the international outcry, the youth-led protesters who pushed for Rajoelina's resignation are caught between satisfaction and indignation, according to Le Monde. There is uncertainty about whether the military leadership will meet the expectations of the Malagasy population. However, the immediate future of the country hinges on the transitional leadership of Colonel Randrianirina and his pledge to form a government with civilian participation.
President Rajoelina's departure has been confirmed, and Madagascar now awaits the inauguration of Colonel Randrianirina. The island nation, currently suspended from the African Union and under the scrutiny of the international community, faces a period of uncertainty and upheaval as it navigates this significant political transition.