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Colonel Michael Randrianirina and other members of the elite CAPSAT military unit, standing in front of the presidential palace after announcing they had taken power
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Antananarivo
An elite military unit in Madagascar has seized power, ousting President Andry Rajoelina after weeks of youth-led protests and deepening political turmoil.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the CAPSAT (Corps of Personnel and Administrative Technical Services of the Army), announced that his unit had taken control of the government, suspended key democratic institutions, and assumed executive authority.
“There is no president, there is no government—nothing here works,” said Col. Randrianirina, adding that CAPSAT would form a transitional committee made up of officers from the army, gendarmerie, and police to “carry out the work of the presidency.”
He also promised to establish a civilian government within days and organize national elections within 18 months to two years.
Celebration
Institutions suspended, leadership changes
Following the coup announcement, CAPSAT suspended the activities of the Senate, the Constitutional Court, and the Electoral Commission, though it allowed the National Assembly—which had earlier voted to impeach Rajoelina—to continue operating. Local media later reported that the Constitutional Court confirmed Col. Randrianirina as interim national leader and declared vacancies in the offices of both the President and Senate President.
Army takes over presdential palace
Weeks of protests and political breakdown
The takeover follows more than two weeks of mass demonstrations across Madagascar, initially sparked by severe power and water shortages but later evolving into widespread calls for Rajoelina’s resignation over corruption and mismanagement.
Last weekend, CAPSAT troops reportedly left their barracks and joined protesters in the capital, Antananarivo, before surrounding the presidential palace. Rajoelina was later said to have been evacuated aboard a French military aircraft, though his whereabouts remain unclear.
Troops reportedly their barracks and joined protesters in the capital, Antananarivo, before surrounding the presidential palace
Before fleeing, Rajoelina attempted to dissolve the National Assembly, describing the impeachment motion against him as “null and void.” He later posted on social media that he was “in a safe place” following what he claimed was an assassination attempt.
Crowds celebrate military takeover
By Tuesday morning, jubilant crowds filled the streets of Antananarivo, waving flags and cheering soldiers as they drove through the city in armored vehicles. Many demonstrators expressed optimism that the coup marked the end of political stagnation and economic hardship.
“Rajoelina and Macron out!” read one banner, reflecting growing resentment toward France amid unconfirmed reports that the former president had been airlifted out by French forces.
Background: A turn of fate
The CAPSAT unit was instrumental in helping Rajoelina seize power in 2009 from then-President Marc Ravalomanana. Sixteen years later, it has turned against him amid public discontent and accusations of authoritarianism. Col. Randrianirina emphasized that the new administration would include representatives of the youth movement, known as Gen Z Mada, which led the protests. “This movement was created in the streets,” he said. “We have to respect their demands.”
Source: BBC
