African Union Suspends Madagascar After Military Coup Topples President Rajoelina

Following a military coup that removed President Andry Rajoelina after his impeachment, the African Union (AU) has officially suspended Madagascar from its membership and activities.
On Wednesday, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, chair of the AU Commission, confirmed to AFP that the suspension was enacted immediately after Madagascar’s highest court endorsed Colonel Michael Randrianirina as the new head of state, intensifying the country’s ongoing political instability.
Colonel Randrianirina, commander of the elite CAPSAT military unit, assumed power after the parliament voted to impeach Rajoelina on Tuesday.
He has committed to managing a transitional government for no longer than two years, with the goal of organizing democratic elections by the end of this period.
The United Nations swiftly condemned the takeover, labeling it an “unconstitutional change of power.”
This abrupt leadership change represents the gravest political crisis Madagascar has faced in recent years.
As one of the poorest nations in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar now joins a list of former French colonies-including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea-that have experienced military coups since 2020.
Rajoelina, who initially came to power through a military-backed coup in 2009 and was controversially re-elected in 2023, reportedly fled the country amid escalating protests.
A declaration issued by Randrianirina and the newly formed “Presidential Council for the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar” announced that he will be inaugurated as transitional president this Friday.
In a televised speech, the colonel dismissed allegations of a coup, asserting that the military intervened to avert national collapse. “This was not a coup; it was an act of responsibility,” he stated.
Randrianirina also promised to conduct elections within 18 to 24 months and confirmed ongoing negotiations to appoint a prime minister and establish a transitional government.
Previously, Randrianirina had been a vocal critic of Rajoelina’s administration and was imprisoned in 2023 on charges of conspiring against the government.
His rapid ascent to power has raised concerns among international observers, triggering immediate denunciations from both the AU and the UN.
Despite the political unrest, the capital city Antananarivo remained relatively peaceful on Wednesday. Citizens gathered at Place du 13 Mai, a historic site known for protests, where violent confrontations had erupted just days before.
The youth-led Gen Z movement, which began protests in late September over severe shortages of water and electricity, expressed guarded hope.
“We are prepared for change,” the group posted on Facebook, highlighting Randrianirina’s openness to dialogue.
“Though uncertain about the future, we cherish this initial victory that has rekindled our hope,” said Fenitra Razafindramanga, 26, captain of the national rugby team.
In the northern port city of Antsiranana, local entrepreneur Muriella described Rajoelina’s removal as a relief.
“It feels like we’ve been freed from captivity,” she told AFP, adding, “This should serve as a lesson to his successor: avoid repeating the same errors.”
Meanwhile, Rajoelina’s office condemned the court’s decision that upheld his impeachment, branding it illegal and unconstitutional.
“This ruling, flawed in both substance and procedure, is unlawful, irregular, and unconstitutional,” the statement warned, cautioning that it could further destabilize the nation.
Prior to his removal, Rajoelina had vowed not to step down, addressing the public from an undisclosed location earlier in the week.
Reports suggest that France, Madagascar’s former colonial power, assisted in his departure, with Rajoelina stating he is now in a “secure location” to safeguard his life.