NEWS & POLITICS
Madagascar in turmoil: military ousts President Rajoelina, following Gen-Z revolt
Madagascar has entered a new phase of political turmoil after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of an elite military unit, announced on Tuesday that the army had seized control of the government.
Staff Writer 
Antananarivo, Madagascar — October 14 (Running Africa) – The move followed the parliament’s impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina, who reportedly fled the country amid a military-backed youth uprising.
Speaking on national television, Colonel Randrianirina declared the creation of “a national reform mechanism that responds to the aspirations of the Malagasy people,” pledging to restructure existing state institutions and usher in what he described as “a new system of governance.”
In a televised address late Monday, Rajoelina confirmed that he had gone into hiding, citing threats to his life. “I was forced to find a place, and I went to a safe location to protect my life,” he said, while appealing for calm and dialogue and reaffirming his commitment to Madagascar’s sovereignty.
Image: theguardian.com
Rajoelina also revealed that several African nations had offered to send troops to stabilize the situation, but he refused foreign intervention, saying, “Sending troops is not in line with Malagasy values.”
The president accused elements within the country of attempting an illegal power grab, as youth-led protests—supported by parts of the military—intensified in the capital. Over the weekend, CAPSAT, the nation’s most powerful military unit, joined demonstrators who had filled the streets of Antananarivo, demanding his resignation.
What began on September 25 as protests over severe shortages of water and electricity quickly evolved into a nationwide movement calling for Rajoelina and his government to step down. Despite efforts to suppress the demonstrations, the Gen-Z-led protests continued to gain momentum.
Rajoelina’s address on Monday was repeatedly delayed amid reports that factions of the military had threatened to seize the national broadcaster’s headquarters. While he did not reveal how he left Madagascar, multiple media outlets reported that he was flown out aboard a French military aircraft.
The developments mark a dramatic escalation in Madagascar’s political crisis, deepening uncertainty in a nation long accustomed to cycles of unrest and military intervention.
