Madagascar in Turmoil: Military Takes Control in Dramatic Power Shift – NPR

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar – On Tuesday, Madagascar’s military took control of the government following the president’s sudden departure from the country amid escalating protests and fears for his safety. The island nation has been gripped by weeks of widespread demonstrations against the administration.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, leading the elite CAPSAT unit, announced that the armed forces had assumed authority and would form a governing council made up of military and police officials. He assured that a civilian administration would be reinstated promptly.

This announcement came shortly after the parliament voted overwhelmingly to impeach President Andry Rajoelina for abandoning his duties following his flight from the country over the weekend. Earlier on Monday, Rajoelina posted a video on social media revealing he was in hiding at an undisclosed location.

Despite Rajoelina’s attempt to dissolve the lower house of parliament to block the impeachment, the vote proceeded with 130 in favor and one abstention.

A still from a video released on Monday, October 13, 2025, shows President Andry Rajoelina addressing the nation from a secret location after an attempted coup forced him into hiding.
Presidency Of The Republic Of Madagascar
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Presidency Of The Republic Of Madagascar

Following the military’s declaration, the official Facebook page of the Madagascan presidency condemned the takeover as a “coup d’état,” affirming that Rajoelina remained the legitimate leader.

Youth-Led Demonstrations

Last month, young people in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, mobilized in what they called “Gen Z” protests, demanding the resignation of President Rajoelina. Their grievances centered on chronic shortages of water and electricity that have severely impacted daily life. Protesters told NPR they have endured six years without reliable water supply despite continuing to pay utility bills.

In a surprising move, the CAPSAT military unit declared solidarity with the demonstrators, vowing not to suppress the protests and referring to the protesters as “our brothers and sisters.”

Reports suggest Rajoelina fled aboard a French aircraft, though this remains unconfirmed, while some government officials are believed to have sought refuge in Mauritius.

Madagascar, a former French colony located in the Indian Ocean near East Africa, has a history marked by political upheaval. Rajoelina initially rose to power through a 2009 coup, supported by the same military faction that has now ousted him, before winning subsequent elections.

However, many citizens have grown disillusioned with the 51-year-old leader, accusing his administration of corruption and failing to provide basic services in a country of approximately 31 million people.

Despite Rajoelina’s attempt to quell unrest by dismissing his cabinet, protesters persisted in demanding his resignation. The United Nations reported that over 20 people lost their lives during the demonstrations, with security forces employing lethal measures.

Troops loyal to Colonel Michael Randrianirina proceed to the Presidential palace to announce the military takeover in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
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Brian Inganga/AP

The military has been careful to frame their intervention as a necessary step rather than a coup. Many protesters expressed support for the armed forces’ involvement, viewing it as a positive change after months of turmoil.

“The military is the only impartial institution capable of restoring order,” said Sariaka, a protester interviewed by NPR. When asked if she considered the takeover a coup, she responded, “For me, it’s a popular uprising backed by the military.”

Fanilo, a 21-year-old medical student, shared similar sentiments: “We feel immense relief and even joy at his removal. We are no longer oppressed.”

Regarding concerns about military rule, Fanilo added, “Not really, because the current military leaders are trustworthy, especially since they have promised to return power to civilian authorities soon.”