Military Seizes Power in Madagascar Following Impeachment of President Rajoelina
Elite military unit takes charge after parliamentary vote to impeach president amidst ongoing protests.
In Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, an elite military unit known as CAPSAT has asserted control over the Indian Ocean nation following a parliamentary impeachment vote against President Andry Rajoelina.
This development comes on the heels of weeks-long anti-government protests concerning power and water shortages, which have evolved into broader opposition to the president and the ruling elite.
The celebrations in the streets were palpable after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of CAPSAT, announced that his unit had assumed leadership.
The presidency vehemently denounced these actions as a 'clear act of attempted coup,' insisting that Rajoelina remains in office despite being reportedly out of the country and possibly in hiding abroad.
The protests began on September 25, with demands for Rajoelina's resignation gaining momentum over the subsequent weeks.
On Monday, however, Rajoelina refused to step down, citing his determination to resolve the political crisis and prevent further destabilization of the nation, which faces significant economic challenges.
CPSAT’s intervention, which involved suspending the constitution and establishing a governing committee composed of military officers with potential inclusion of civilian advisers, was met with mixed reactions.
While crowds celebrated in the streets, expressing hope for change and unity, there were also concerns raised about France's perceived involvement in the political affairs of Madagascar.
The impeachment process saw 130 parliamentarians vote in favor of removing Rajoelina from office, surpassing the necessary two-thirds majority required by the constitution.
The presidency attempted to block this motion by dissolving the national assembly but was later overridden by the constitutional court's validation of the impeachment.
This sudden shift of power has prompted international concern, with the United Nations expressing its opposition to any coup d'etat should one be confirmed.
As Madagascar grapples with its political crisis and the implications of its military intervention, the path forward remains uncertain.
This development comes on the heels of weeks-long anti-government protests concerning power and water shortages, which have evolved into broader opposition to the president and the ruling elite.
The celebrations in the streets were palpable after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of CAPSAT, announced that his unit had assumed leadership.
The presidency vehemently denounced these actions as a 'clear act of attempted coup,' insisting that Rajoelina remains in office despite being reportedly out of the country and possibly in hiding abroad.
The protests began on September 25, with demands for Rajoelina's resignation gaining momentum over the subsequent weeks.
On Monday, however, Rajoelina refused to step down, citing his determination to resolve the political crisis and prevent further destabilization of the nation, which faces significant economic challenges.
CPSAT’s intervention, which involved suspending the constitution and establishing a governing committee composed of military officers with potential inclusion of civilian advisers, was met with mixed reactions.
While crowds celebrated in the streets, expressing hope for change and unity, there were also concerns raised about France's perceived involvement in the political affairs of Madagascar.
The impeachment process saw 130 parliamentarians vote in favor of removing Rajoelina from office, surpassing the necessary two-thirds majority required by the constitution.
The presidency attempted to block this motion by dissolving the national assembly but was later overridden by the constitutional court's validation of the impeachment.
This sudden shift of power has prompted international concern, with the United Nations expressing its opposition to any coup d'etat should one be confirmed.
As Madagascar grapples with its political crisis and the implications of its military intervention, the path forward remains uncertain.
