Madagascar’s military has seized control of the nation, announced in a stark national broadcast on Tuesday, as protests drove President Andry Rajoelina to flee for his safety.
As reported by DW, Colonel Michael Randrianirina of the CAPSAT unit declared, "We have taken the power," after lawmakers impeached Rajoelina, whose office labeled this an "attempted coup." The army dissolved most state institutions, leaving only the lower house of parliament intact.
Gen Z-led protests, erupting over water and power shortages since September 25, exploded over the weekend with soldiers joining in. These demonstrations shifted to demands for Rajoelina’s resignation, exposing raw frustration with governance. By Monday, the president had escaped to a "safe space," leaving a political vacuum.
Military Plans for Transition Under Scrutiny
Colonel Randrianirina, named acting president by the High Constitutional Court, outlined a committee of army, gendarmerie, and police to manage presidential tasks. He promised a civilian government soon, with a prime minister appointed in days.
"It is this committee that will carry out the work of the presidency," Randrianirina stated on national radio. Yet, suspending the Senate, electoral body, and other key institutions raises doubts about democratic intent. The military’s history, including CAPSAT’s role in the 2009 coup, fuels skepticism about a smooth handover.
Rajoelina’s earlier move to dissolve the National Assembly failed to block the impeachment, with 130 lawmakers voting against him. His team called the vote "null and void," clinging to legitimacy despite his absence. Such claims falter when armed forces stand at the presidential palace.
Protests Highlight Deep Governance Failures
The protests, initially about basic service shortages, grew into a broader rejection of Rajoelina’s rule as civil servants and unionists joined. Security forces switching sides over the weekend tipped the balance, amplifying the crisis. This wasn’t just about utilities; it’s a cry against systemic neglect.
Rajoelina’s presidency fired back on Facebook, stating, "The presence of armed military forces in front of the presidential palace constitutes a clear act of attempted coup d’etat." But with the High Constitutional Court declaring his post vacant, legal support for his stance evaporates. The clash between military action and constitutional claims deepens the chaos.
The roots of unrest lie in persistent failures to deliver basic needs, a grievance that unites generations in Madagascar. Young protesters, especially, show no patience for leaders who dodge accountability. Their persistence signals a demand for governance that serves, not suppresses.
Historical Patterns of Power Struggles Resurface
Rajoelina’s own rise in 2009 via a military-backed coup, with CAPSAT’s involvement, mirrors today’s events unsettlingly. That history suggests military interventions rarely yield lasting stability in Madagascar. Citizens now face the same cycle of force over dialogue.
The military’s current grip, while framed as temporary, echoes past overreaches that sidelined democratic processes. With key institutions suspended, the National Assembly stands alone, a fragile remnant of civilian rule. This setup risks entrenching power in hands unaccountable to the public.
Protesters’ grievances, from shortages to political exclusion, remain unaddressed amid this power shuffle. Without tackling these core issues, military or civilian leadership will struggle to restore trust. The nation’s history warns that surface calm often masks deeper unrest.
Future Hinges on Addressing Root Issues
Madagascar now teeters under military control, with Randrianirina’s promises of civilian transition yet to prove credible. The people, worn by shortages and political games, need tangible fixes, not just reshuffled authority. Stability demands more than a new face at the top.
International eyes will track whether this takeover sparks reform or repeats old patterns of suppression. The Gen Z movement, raw with energy, could push for real change if given a voice over rifles. Their fight isn’t just against Rajoelina; it’s against a system that’s failed too long.
For now, the island nation holds its breath as military rule overshadows protest demands. True resolution lies in confronting the shortages and disconnect that ignited this crisis. Without that focus, Madagascar risks sliding deeper into a familiar quagmire of instability.
