Madagascar's Political Turmoil: A Military Takeover and International Reactions
In a dramatic turn of events, Madagascar's new military ruler, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, is set to take the oath of office as the country's president on Friday. This development follows a coup that ousted the previous president, Andry Rajoelina, plunging the Indian Ocean nation into its worst political crisis in recent years.
The elite Capsat army unit seized power on Tuesday, just moments after parliament voted to impeach Rajoelina. Street protests had been escalating, and it appears that Rajoelina fled the country. Madagascar joins a growing list of former French colonies, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea, that have fallen under military control since 2020.
Colonel Randrianirina, confirmed as president by the highest court, has outlined a transition plan that includes restructuring major institutions and a return to civilian leadership within two years. He defended the takeover, stating, "It wasn't a coup; it was a matter of responsibility as the country was on the brink of collapse." He has promised elections within 18 to 24 months and is currently consulting to appoint a prime minister and form a new government.
The transition will be overseen by a committee comprising officers from the army, gendarmerie, and police. Randrianirina's statement, published on social media by a state television station, announced his swearing-in as the president of the refounded Republic of Madagascar on October 17th.
Randrianirina has a history of criticizing Rajoelina's administration and was reportedly imprisoned for several months in 2023 for allegedly plotting a coup. His swift takeover has sparked international concern and criticism.
The African Union has suspended Madagascar "with immediate effect," expressing deep concern over the unconstitutional change of power. The United Nations has echoed similar sentiments. France has emphasized the importance of upholding democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. Germany has called for caution, while Russia has urged restraint to prevent bloodshed.
Even the security body of the regional SADC grouping, of which Rajoelina held the rotating presidency, has expressed its worries. As of Wednesday evening, the capital, Antananarivo, remained calm, but uncertainty loomed over the nation's future.
A concert was held on the symbolic Place du 13 Mai square, where protesters and armed vehicles had clashed days earlier. The Gen Z movement, which initiated the protests over water and energy shortages and later directed its anger towards the political elite, has welcomed Randrianirina's intervention. The colonel has expressed his willingness to engage with the youth, and the Gen Z movement has reiterated its calls for systemic change.
"We're worried about what comes next, but we're savoring this first victory that gave us hope," said Fenitra Razafindramanga, a 26-year-old captain of Madagascar's national rugby team. In the northern city of Antsiranana, an entrepreneur named Muriella expressed relief at Rajoelina's departure, stating, "It feels like we've just been released from prison." She added a warning to Randrianirina, urging him to learn from Rajoelina's mistakes.
And this is where it gets controversial: Is this military takeover a necessary step to restore stability and address the nation's issues, or is it a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic principles? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
