Military Takes Control of Madagascar After Parliament Votes to Impeach President

Strategic Insights -

Madagascar's military took control of the country on Wednesday, after parliament voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, amidst weeks of protests over poverty, power outages, and a lack of opportunity. Military Colonel Michael Randrianirina, leader of the elite CAPSAT military unit, announced the takeover in front of the presidential palace in Antananarivo, stating "We are taking power." However, President Rajoelina's office denounced the military's actions as an "attempted coup d'etat" and an "illegal declaration," insisting that the president remained in charge. The situation is unfolding as a popular movement, which began on September 25, has led to casualties among demonstrators and escalated pressure on President Rajoelina.

Key Takeaways:

  • The military has taken control of Madagascar after parliament voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina.
  • Colonel Michael Randrianirina, leader of the elite CAPSAT military unit, announced the takeover in front of the presidential palace.
  • The military will form a council composed of officers from the military and gendarmerie, and a prime minister will be appointed to form a civilian government.
  • President Rajoelina has reportedly fled the country, fearing for his safety, despite his office insisting that he remains in charge.
  • The popular movement, which began on September 25, has led to casualties among demonstrators and has escalated pressure on President Rajoelina.
  • The military's actions have been denounced by President Rajoelina's office as an "attempted coup d'etat" and an "illegal declaration."

Statistics:

  • 2023: The year in which President Andry Rajoelina was elected for a second five-year term after a military coup that brought him back to power.
  • September 25: The date on which a popular movement began, leading to protests and casualties among demonstrators.
  • First military coup: The event that brought President Rajoelina back to power, in which the elite army unit played a key role.
  • Population of Madagascar: Approximately 28 million people (Sourced from SANA, no date provided).
  • Exact number of casualties among demonstrators: Not provided in the source material.

Sources:

  • SANA (no date provided)