On Monday, thousands of people gathered in a central square in the capital, chanting: “The President must quit now!” Protests in Madagascar began on September 25, influenced by a wave of global Gen Z unrest. According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the demonstrations began, although President Andry Rajoelina’s government has disputed these figures.
The protests initially stemmed from severe water and power shortages but quickly escalated into a nationwide uprising over broader grievances, including corruption, poor governance, and the lack of basic services.
This mirrors recent events in other parts of the world, such as Nepal, where the prime minister was forced to resign last month following similar youth-led demonstrations.
Over the weekend, soldiers were seen mingling with jubilant demonstrators. Hours later, CAPSAT — an elite military unit that played a key role in the 2009 coup which first brought Rajoelina to power — announced that it had taken control of the country’s military command. The unit had earlier declared it would “refuse orders to shoot” at demonstrators.
The embattled president was scheduled to address the nation on Monday evening but cancelled the broadcast for the second time after reports surfaced that soldiers planned to seize the state television station. Rajoelina had reportedly fled the country on a French military aircraft amid escalating anti-government protests and growing defections within the armed forces.
Before his reported departure, Rajoelina accused elements within the military of plotting a coup. Under Madagascar’s constitution, if the president’s office becomes vacant, the leader of the Senate assumes the role until new elections are held. However, the President of the Senate — himself a target of public anger during the protests — has been relieved of his duties, with André Ndremanjary appointed as his temporary replacement.
On Tuesday, a Madagascar army colonel, Randrianirina, announced that the military had taken control of the Indian Ocean island nation. Jubilant crowds poured into the streets of the capital following the announcement.
Colonel Randrianirina stated that the military was dissolving all institutions except the lower house of parliament. He later told reporters that a military-led committee would govern the country for up to two years alongside a transitional government before organizing new elections.
The following institutions have been suspended: 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.
Madagascar, where the median age is under 20, has a population of about 30 million — three-quarters of whom live in poverty. The country’s GDP per capita plunged by 45% between independence in 1960 and 2020, according to the World Bank.
With Rajoelina reportedly out of the country, and the military now backing protesters and assuming control, Madagascar faces its most volatile political moment in years.
