The protests, which began over water and power shortages, have now transformed into a nationwide movement against corruption and poor governance. The unfolding events mark another instance of youth-led unrest influencing political transitions, raising global attention to Madagascar’s ongoing crisis.
Who toppled Madagascar government, where is president Andry Rajoelina now and who will control the country?
The question of who toppled Madagascar government, where is president Andry Rajoelina now and who will control the country has become central after a new wave of Gen Z-led protests forced the president to flee. According to opposition leaders and multiple officials, President Andry Rajoelina left Madagascar after sections of the army joined demonstrators. Has he reached France?
This follows a similar pattern seen in Nepal, where Gen Z protests recently led to the government’s fall. The movement in Madagascar has shaken the political structure of the island nation.
Opposition confirms president has fled Madagascar
Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, who serves in parliament, told Reuters that President Andry Rajoelina left Madagascar on Sunday. His departure reportedly came after key units of the military defected and aligned with protesters.
Randrianasoloniaiko stated that he contacted the presidential staff and was informed that Rajoelina had left the country. However, his current location remains unknown.
The president had been scheduled to address the nation at 7 PM local time on Monday, but no statement came from the presidential office regarding his whereabouts.
Rajoelina says he is in a safe location after assassination attempt
Despite reports of his departure, President Rajoelina appeared in a live broadcast later on Monday. He stated that he was in a “safe space” following what he described as attempts on his life and a coup plot.
In his address, Rajoelina said that since September 25, there had been repeated attempts to assassinate him and remove him from power. He accused a group of military personnel and politicians of planning the attack.
He added that he was forced to find a safe location to ensure his survival while the situation in the country stabilizes.
Gen Z protests lead to political crisis
The Gen Z protests in Madagascar began on September 25 over water and power shortages. However, the movement quickly expanded into a broader campaign against corruption, poor governance, and a lack of public services.
The demonstrations mirror similar youth-led protests across other nations, including Nepal and Morocco, where younger generations have called for leadership changes.
In Madagascar, these protests have been driven by anger toward economic inequality and a perceived disconnect between leaders and citizens.
Army defections change the balance of power
President Rajoelina’s authority weakened when the elite military unit known as CAPSAT withdrew its support. CAPSAT had been instrumental in helping him seize power in a 2009 coup but decided to join the demonstrators this time.
The unit refused to fire on protesters and instead escorted large crowds in the capital, Antananarivo. Later, CAPSAT announced that it was assuming control of the military and appointed a new army chief.
This announcement prompted Rajoelina to warn of an active attempt to seize control of the country.
Gendarmerie joins protests, Senate takes action
A faction of the paramilitary gendarmerie also aligned with the protesters. Reuters reported that this group took formal control of the gendarmerie headquarters during a ceremony attended by senior officials.
Following the developments, Madagascar’s Senate issued a statement confirming that its president, who had become a target of public anger, was relieved of duties. Jean André Ndremanjary was appointed as interim Senate president.
Under Madagascar’s constitutional law, the Senate president assumes leadership responsibilities in the absence of the president until elections can be organized.
Who will control Madagascar now?
According to the nation’s legal framework, control of Madagascar temporarily shifts to the president of the Senate. However, with both the military and opposition now playing active roles, the political situation remains uncertain.
Observers note that the country faces a difficult transition as different groups seek to establish authority. The coming days will determine whether Madagascar moves toward elections or a prolonged power struggle.
FAQs
Who toppled the Madagascar government?
The Madagascar government was toppled after Gen Z-led protests and army defections against President Andry Rajoelina, leading to his reported departure from the country.
Where is President Andry Rajoelina now?
President Andry Rajoelina said he is sheltering in a “safe space” after an alleged assassination attempt and coup attempt against him.
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