Madagascar's Army Personnel Administration Center (CAPSAT), a military unit, announced on Tuesday that it suspended the Constitution and seized power after the parliament adopted a motion to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, according to an Anadolu correspondent.
The CAPSAT elements, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, entered the Ambohitsorohitra presidential palace in the capital Antananarivo and declared that they had taken power.
“By Ordinance 2025-001, we have decided to suspend the constitution adopted on December 11, 2010, and to establish new structures for national renovation,” Randrianirina said.
"The renovation period will last a maximum of two years. During this time, a referendum will be held to establish a new constitution, followed by elections to gradually set up the new institutions," Colonel Randrianirina told reporters.
Institutions suspended
Five institutions, including the High Constitutional Court, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Senate, the High Council for the Defence of Human Rights, and the High Court of Justice, have been suspended, while the National Assembly remains in place.
The military said the country’s presidency will be collectively assumed by its officers.
Earlier in the day, Rajoelina dissolved parliament following weeks of anti-government protests across the country, saying it was necessary to restore order and make room for the youth.
However, parliament convened and passed a motion to impeach the president.
Rajoelina says he is in 'safe space'
Since September 25, he has faced youth-led protests over severe water and electricity shortages, as well as allegations of corruption, which have quickly escalated into calls for his resignation.
The unrest prompted government reorganisations, including the dissolution of the cabinet and the appointment of a new prime minister and security chiefs.
Rajoelina said on Monday that he was sheltering in a "safe space" after an “attempt on his life,” as he was reported to have been evacuated to France on a military plane after "a deal" with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron declined to confirm whether the island nation’s embattled leader was evacuated by its former colonial ruler, telling reporters in Egypt that "I just wish to express our great concern.”
Rajoelina terms recent events an ' attempt to seize power illegally'
On Saturday, the CAPSAT, a military unit instrumental in Rajoelina's rise to power through a 2009 coup, declared its support for the protests.
On Sunday, the unit installed a new military chief, hours after Rajoelina denounced its support for the protests as “an attempt to seize power illegally.”
