.jpeg)
An elite Madagascar military unit on Tuesday announced that it had taken over power in the East African nation of Madagascar.
The announcement follows weeks of anti-government protest in the country as well as the decision of the lawmakers in the country to impeach President Andry Rajoelina.
As earlier reported by Naija News, CAPSAT commander, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, announced the military takeover on Tuesday as he read out a statement announcing the suspension of the constitution outside the country’s presidential palace.
The announcement was followed by celebrations in the streets of the capital by citizens as the soldiers enjoyed a victory lap and marched back to their base.
However, the presidency described the development as “a clear act of attempted coup” and insisted that Rajoelina “remains fully in office.”
It would be recalled that earlier reports indicated that Rajoelina, who had not been seen in public since last Wednesday, had fled the country amidst intensifying protests calling for his resignation.
He was scheduled to address the nation at 17:30 GMT on Monday, but postponed it due to a threat from soldiers to seize state television, as cited by the presidency.
Leader of the opposition in parliament, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, told Reuters that Rajoelina left Madagascar on Sunday after units of the army defected and joined the protesters.
Following developments in the country, Rajoelina, who has French nationality, said in a national address late Monday that he was in a “safe place to protect my life.”
He, however, did not reveal his location.
Making clear he would not step down, Rajoelina said he was “on a mission to find solutions” to the political crisis and would not let the impoverished nation “destroy itself.”
© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]
.jpeg)
English (US) ·