Antananarivo: Madagascar's armed forces announced Tuesday they have assumed control of the government, following the National Assembly's vote to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, who has reportedly fled the country. Speaking from outside the presidential palace in Antananarivo, Colonel Mikael Randrianirina, commander of the Corps of Administrative and Technical Services (CAPSAT), declared that the military would take charge effective immediately. He stated that the Senate and the High Constitutional Court would be dissolved, while the National Assembly would be permitted to continue its legislative functions.
According to Qatar News Agency, the presidency of Madagascar condemned the military's declaration of power, insisting that President Andry Rajoelina remains in office. Officials described the deployment of armed forces outside the presidential palace as a clear coup attempt. In a statement, the presidency affirmed Rajoelina's continued authority, emphasizing his commitment to upholding constitutional order and national stability.
Earlier in the day, Rajoelina issued a decree dissolving the National Assembly, arguing that the vote to impeach him lacked legal foundation. Radio France reported that the president, who first rose to power in 2009 via a military coup, was flown out of the country on Sunday aboard a French military aircraft.
Colonel Mikael Randrianirina, leading the CAPSAT unit, announced plans to form a transitional committee composed of military, gendarmerie, and national police officers, with the possibility of including senior civilian advisors. He stated that this committee would assume presidential responsibilities, with a civilian government expected to be established within days.
The National Assembly had voted overwhelmingly to remove Rajoelina, securing 130 votes, well above the two-thirds majority required in the 163-member chamber. Although the decision awaited ratification by the High Constitutional Court, Randrianirina declared the court dissolved.
Protests over chronic utility outages erupted in Madagascar on 25 September, resulting in 22 deaths and over 100 injuries. The UN urged authorities to conduct transparent investigations and uphold rights to free expression and peaceful assembly.