Madagascar’s political landscape has been dramatically reshaped as the military seized power, following weeks of intense youth-led protests and the impeachment and flight of President Andry Rajoelina. This abrupt transition marks a critical moment for the Indian Ocean island nation, grappling with economic hardship and a legacy of political instability.
The Indian Ocean island nation of Madagascar is once again at a critical juncture, as its military declared a takeover following the impeachment and forced departure of President Andry Rajoelina. This seismic shift in power culminates weeks of escalating youth-led demonstrations that have brought the country to a standstill, reflecting deep-seated grievances against the ruling elite.
The Coup Unfolds: Military Seizes Power
On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a commander from the elite CAPSAT army unit, announced on national radio that the military had seized control. The declaration came hours after lawmakers voted to impeach President Rajoelina. Colonel Randrianirina stated that the military was dissolving all state institutions except the lower house of parliament, the National Assembly. This move, he clarified, aimed to establish a military-led committee that would govern the country for up to two years alongside a transitional civilian government before new elections could be organized.
The suspended institutions include the Senate, the High Constitutional Court, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the High Court of Justice, and the High Council for the Defense of Human Rights and the Rule of Law. This sweeping dissolution signifies a comprehensive restructuring of the nation’s governance, reflecting the military’s intent to assert full control in the immediate aftermath of the power vacuum.
President Rajoelina, 51, had defiantly refused to resign despite the escalating protests. His final attempt to counter the impeachment was a decree to dissolve the lower house, which was ultimately disregarded by lawmakers. Following the impeachment vote, Rajoelina condemned the military’s actions as a “power grab” from an undisclosed location, having reportedly fled the country on Sunday aboard a French military plane, as reported by Reuters. His isolation deepened when even members of his ruling coalition voted for his impeachment on charges deemed “incompatible with presidential duties.”
Weeks of Uprising: The Spark and the Fuel
The roots of the recent upheaval trace back to September 25, when demonstrations first erupted over fundamental issues: chronic water and power shortages. These initial protests, largely driven by Gen Z demonstrators, quickly broadened into a full-scale uprising against systemic corruption, poor governance, and a severe lack of basic services. The public’s anger mirrored similar movements seen in other nations like Nepal and Morocco, where youth-led calls for change have challenged established elites.
Antananarivo’s 13 May Square became a focal point for thousands of protesters. They danced, marched, and waved banners denouncing Rajoelina, whom many viewed as a “French stooge” due to his dual citizenship and perceived support from Madagascar’s former colonial power. The visual tapestry of the protests included Malagasy flags alongside the distinctive skull and crossbones banner, a symbol drawn from the popular Japanese “One Piece” anime series, showcasing the youth demographic’s influence. Colonel Randrianirina himself, addressing the crowds, galvanized support for the military takeover by asking, “Are you ready to accept a military takeover?”, to which the crowd responded with cheers.
A History of Instability: Echoes of 2009
Madagascar has a turbulent history of political transitions, often marked by military involvement since gaining independence in 1960. Ironically, President Rajoelina himself first ascended to power in a military-backed coup in 2009. The very CAPSAT unit that played a crucial role in his 2009 rise was instrumental in his recent downfall, having broken ranks with him a week prior to the takeover. Over the weekend, CAPSAT joined the protesters, declaring its refusal to fire on them, and subsequently assumed command of the military, appointing a new army chief.
This defiance triggered Rajoelina’s warnings of an “illegal attempt to seize power.” Adding to his isolation, the paramilitary gendarmerie and the national police also defected from his authority, further solidifying the military’s position and demonstrating a broad loss of support for the embattled president across the security forces.
Public Reaction and the Path Forward
The news of the military takeover was met with mixed reactions. Many protesters were jubilant, expressing relief and hope. High-school student Fih Nomensanahary exclaimed, “We’re so happy Andry Rajoelina is finally gone… We will start again!” However, other citizens, such as 68-year-old IT consultant Rezafy Lova, voiced caution, emphasizing the need for a swift transition to a civilian administration and free and fair elections. This duality of public sentiment underscores the delicate balance the military regime must strike as it navigates the path toward political stability.
Economic Hardship and International Concerns
The political turmoil unfolds against a backdrop of severe economic challenges. Madagascar, with an average age of less than 20 and a population of approximately 30 million, sees three-quarters of its citizens living in poverty. Economic data highlights a grim reality: between its independence in 1960 and 2020, the country’s GDP per capita plummeted by 45%, according to the World Bank. These figures paint a stark picture of the systemic issues fueling public discontent and provide context for the widespread support for change.
Internationally, the military takeover has drawn immediate concern. A United Nations spokesman indicated that the organization “would stand against” any coup in progress. Regional bodies like the African Union and the SADC regional bloc also issued statements of concern, signaling a potential for international pressure and a demand for a return to constitutional order, reinforcing the global community’s stance against unconstitutional changes of government. As reported by UN officials, at least 22 people were killed during previous demonstrations, highlighting the violent undercurrents of the unrest.
What Lies Ahead?
The military’s declaration of a transitional period of up to two years before new elections presents a critical challenge. The success of this transition hinges on the military’s ability to maintain order, address the deep-seated grievances that sparked the protests, and genuinely prepare the ground for a return to civilian rule. Madagascar’s history of political instability, often exacerbated by military interventions, means the coming months will be closely watched by both its citizens and the international community. The path forward for the island nation remains uncertain, but the call for change from its youth is undeniable.
