Following the deadly Gen Z protest which rocked the republic of Madagascar, the country’s parliament has voted to impeach embattled President Andry Rajoelina just hours after he fled the country for France.
The protest against the president gained momentum after an elite soldiers group joined the anti government rally in the capital Antananarivo and other major cities.
The vote on Tuesday afternoon came as Rajoelina moved to dissolve parliament via a decree posted on social media earlier in the day, but which the opposition rejected.
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“I have decided to dissolve the National Assembly, in accordance with the Constitution,” Rajoelina posted on X on Tuesday.
According to him, “This choice is necessary to restore order within our Nation and strengthen democracy. The People must be heard again. Make way for the youth.”
The protests, which initially erupted over power and water shortages, have evolved into the most serious crisis the country and Rajoelina’s government has faced in years.
“I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life,” Rajoleina, who did not disclose his location, said in a 26-minute-long live broadcast on Monday after a top army unit, known widely as CAPSAT, reportedly seized the state broadcaster.
The same unit announced on Tuesday afternoon that it was “in charge” as parliament concluded the impeachment proceedings.
What began as calls for reform soon evolved into a broader demand for leadership renewal.
President Rajoelina’s reported exit, said to be on a French military plane, marks a significant turning point for Madagascar, a country with a history of fragile transitions and recurring political upheaval.
Observers say the loss of military backing was decisive, underscoring the delicate balance between civilian authority and security institutions in emerging democracies.
A statistics has shocked that over 80 percent of the country’s 31 million people lived in extreme poverty by 2022, according to the World Bank, largely due to political instability and severe climate disasters affecting food supplies.
Only a third of the population has access to electricity, according to the International Monetary Fund, with the state-owned energy company, Jirama, accused of corruption and mismanagement.
The 51-year-old first came to power in 2009 as the leader of a transitional government following a bloodless coup against the former president, Ravalomanana.
As an opposition member and mayor of Antananarivo, Rajoelina led weeks of violent protests starting from January 2009 against Ravalomanana, whom he criticised for “restricting freedom” in the country.
Some 130 people died in the crisis and Rabalomanana fled to South Africa in March 2009 following a military coup.
Rajoelina’s announcement as leader was ironically backed by CAPSAT.
What is CAPSAT, the army unit accused of a coup ?
CAPSAT, or the Corps d’administration des personnels et des services administratifs et techniques, is an elite unit based in Soanierana district on the outskirts of Antananarivo. The group’s leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina announed on Tuesday the unit was “in charge.”
While Rajoelina had influential backers in other important army units, analyst Mumunya noted he has not able to gain such support with CAPSAT.
The unit first appeared to mutiny after members joined thousands of protesters in Antananarivo on Saturday and called for Rajoelina’s resignation.
Demonstrators hailed armed CAPSAT members packed in trucks and waving Madagascan flags.
There were reports of CAPSAT teams clashing with pro-Rajoelina security forces.
Source: Aljazeera and News agencies.