Antananarivo, Madagascar — The African Union has decided to suspend Madagascar in response to a military coup that removed President Andry Rajoelina, adding to the ongoing trend of military takeovers in former French colonies throughout Africa since 2020.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who leads the elite Capsat army unit, took control on Tuesday just after the parliament voted to impeach Rajoelina amid rising protests. It is believed that the ousted president has fled the nation.
Randrianirina is scheduled to be inaugurated as president on Friday, October 17, during an official session of the High Constitutional Court. He has committed to transitioning to civilian governance within 18 to 24 months, with plans to appoint a new prime minister and government, as well as to reform essential national institutions.
“It wasn’t a coup, it was a case of taking responsibility because the country was on the brink of collapse,” said Randrianirina, who was previously imprisoned in 2023 for plotting a coup against Rajoelina.
The new transitional leadership will be overseen by a committee composed of military, gendarmerie, and police officers.
International and Regional Reactions
The African Union responded by suspending Madagascar’s membership “with immediate effect,” citing an unconstitutional change in government. The United Nations and several global powers, including France, Germany, and Russia, expressed concern, calling for restraint and a return to constitutional order.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), where Rajoelina had been serving as rotating president, also voiced alarm over the developments.
The military coup comes after several weeks of protests, which were first initiated by the Gen Z youth movement starting on September 25, calling for improved access to water and energy. These protests rapidly transformed into extensive unrest driven by anger over political corruption and economic difficulties.
In spite of the prevailing uncertainty, the capital city of Antananarivo stayed peaceful on Wednesday. Thousands assembled for a concert at the iconic Place du 13 Mai, a location known for past confrontations between demonstrators and riot police. “We’re worried about what comes next, but we’re savouring this first victory that gave us hope,” said Fenitra Razafindramanga, 26, captain of the national rugby team.
In the northern city of Antsiranana, residents celebrated Rajoelina’s removal. “It feels like we’ve just been released from prison,” said a local entrepreneur.
Madagascar now joins Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger, and Gabon on the growing list of African nations where military forces have seized control since 2020.
