The African Union has suspended Madagascar following a military coup led by Col. Michael Randrianirina, who declared himself president after ousting President Andry Rajoelina. Randrianirina, speaking at his barracks, announced plans to be sworn in soon and lead a military-backed transitional government for up to two years before elections.
The coup followed Rajoelina’s impeachment and weeks of youth-led “Gen Z Madagascar” protests demanding better governance amid widespread poverty.
Randrianirina claimed the High Constitutional Court invited him to assume leadership after Rajoelina fled the country, citing safety concerns. The military has dissolved all institutions except the lower house and aims to appoint a new prime minister. Rajoelina condemned the takeover as an illegal coup.
Madagascar, plagued by poverty and corruption, faces ongoing instability, with its GDP per capita nearly halved since independence in 1960. The AU’s suspension will remain until constitutional order is restored. Analysts, including Cornell University’s Olufemi Taiwo, criticized the military’s role, arguing the youth-led protests represent a civil uprising that should not involve military intervention. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern and solidarity with Madagascar’s people.
