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Military Coup in Madagascar: A Timeline of Key Events Leading to the Takeover

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The situation in Madagascar escalated dramatically as thousands of young people protested against chronic water and power outages, prompting a crackdown by security forces that used tear gas and rubber bullets. The protests grew into a wider expression of discontent over issues like the cost of living, limited job opportunities, corruption, and nepotism among the elite. Despite calls for dialogue from President Andry Rajoelina, the situation spiralled out of control, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people, according to the United Nations. The turning point came when an elite military unit rebelled against Rajoelina and joined the protests, with the unit's commander, Colonel Andriamampionona Randrianirina, calling for the president to step down.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thousands of young people in Madagascar protested against chronic water and power outages, which led to a crackdown by security forces.
  • The protests grew into a wider expression of discontent over issues like the cost of living, limited job opportunities, corruption, and nepotism among the elite.
  • The United Nations reported at least 22 people killed in the early days of the protests, blaming security forces for a violent crackdown.
  • Elite military unit rebelled against President Andry Rajoelina and joined the protests, with their commander calling for the president to step down.
  • Colonel Andriamampionona Randrianirina emerged as a key figure, asserting his authority and calling for Rajoelina to step down.
  • Randrianirina was appointed new general of the military, and a military council was established to govern the country for 18 months before new elections.
  • President Rajoelina was impeached by lawmakers, and Randrianirina appeared with other soldiers in front of an old symbolic presidential palace, declaring a military council would govern the country.

Statistics:

  • At least 22 people were killed in the early days of the protests, according to the United Nations.
  • Thousands of young people protested against chronic water and power outages.
  • 100,000 people followed the "Gen Z Madagascar" Facebook page.

Sources:

  • AP (2025) https://apnews.com/article/madagascar-military-coup-timeline-0e918ff4a3d974e45b5b4284e104251f

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