Madagascar military seizes power as President Rajoelina flees

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 10:31

Madagascar’s CAPSAT military unit assumes control of the African nation after President Rajoelina fled amid Gen Z-led nationwide protests.

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A resident makes a heart sign with her hands as a crowd follows members of Madagascar’s Army CAPSAT unit moving toward the Presidential Palace to gain entry in Antananarivo, October 14, 2025. (AFP)

An elite military unit in Madagascar has announced it has assumed control of the government following weeks of widespread anti-government demonstrations and the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina. The development marks a dramatic escalation in the Indian Ocean nation’s political crisis, which has centered on public anger over power and water shortages and growing discontent with the ruling elite.

Military takes control

The CAPSAT military unit, which has played a central role in Madagascar’s security apparatus and was instrumental in the 2009 coup that initially brought Rajoelina to power, formally declared its authority on Tuesday. CAPSAT commander Colonel Michael Randrianirina read a statement outside the presidential palace announcing the suspension of the constitution and the establishment of a governing committee composed of army, gendarmerie, and national police officers.

“It is this committee that will carry out the work of the presidency,” Randrianirina said, adding that a civilian government would be formed in the coming days. Armed vehicles carrying military personnel paraded through Antananarivo, receiving cheers from crowds lining the streets, some of whom joined the convoy in their own vehicles in a show of public support.

Presidential impeachment, flight

Parliament had moved to impeach Rajoelina for dereliction of duty, voting 130 in favor, surpassing the two-thirds threshold required by the constitution. While the presidency initially attempted to block the vote by dissolving the National Assembly, the constitutional court later validated the impeachment and recognized Randrianirina’s authority.

Rajoelina, who also holds French nationality, reportedly left Madagascar with the assistance of French authorities. In a national address late Monday, he confirmed he was in a “safe place to protect my life,” though he did not disclose his location. Some reports indicate he may have traveled to Dubai. He insisted that he would not step down and described his mission as finding solutions to the ongoing crisis without allowing the impoverished nation to “destroy itself".

Protests and public sentiment

The unrest, which began on September 25, was initially led by youth movements frustrated by widespread service failures and political stagnation. The movement intensified when CAPSAT joined the demonstrations over the weekend, followed by the gendarmerie, which acknowledged “faults and excesses” in previous crackdowns that resulted in at least 22 deaths, according to United Nations reports.

Public sentiment appears deeply anti-colonial, with demonstrators accusing France of interfering in Madagascar’s internal affairs. “It’s like they’re colonizing us again,” said civil engineer Koloina Rakotomavonirina, 26. “We want them to leave our island for good.”

International reactions

The African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have expressed concern over the developments. The United Nations also issued a statement emphasizing that it would oppose any coup and is closely monitoring the situation.

“We’re trying to see exactly what happens, once the dust is settled,” said UN spokesperson Farhan Haq, referencing the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the military takeover.