An army commander in Madagascar has announced that the military has taken control of the government following the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina amid widespread protests led by the youth. Rajoelina’s departure comes after intense demonstrations demanding his resignation over grievances related to corruption, governance, and basic services.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina confirmed on national radio that the military has dissolved all governmental institutions except the lower house of parliament. He stated that a military-led committee would govern alongside a transitional government for up to two years and will oversee the organization of new elections.
The tumult began escalating significantly on September 25, triggered by frustration over water and power shortages, which ignited a broader uprising against Rajoelina’s administration. Many protesters expressed joy at the military’s intervention and echoed sentiments from similar uprisings in other parts of the world, reflecting a growing trend among younger populations seeking accountability from their leaders.
Rajoelina, who previously came to power through a coup himself in 2009, sought to dissolve the lower house but was met with impeachment proceedings initiated by lawmakers within his ruling coalition. As the situation deteriorated, the president reportedly fled the country aboard a French military aircraft, his whereabouts subsequently remaining unknown.
In his absence, military forces, having aligned with the demonstrators and disobeyed orders to suppress them, have gained popular support. Many of the young protestors, wielding banners and flags in Antananarivo’s central square, celebrated the military’s takeover, voicing hope for a new beginning. Yet there remains a palpable caution among some citizens, emphasizing the need for a swift return to civilian rule and fair elections.
The ongoing unrest in Madagascar mirrors similar social movements across the globe, underscoring widespread dissatisfaction with established leadership, indicating a potential turning point in how governance is perceived and enacted. As these developments unfold, there is a glimmer of hope for residents of Madagascar; their voices, amplified by the military’s intervention, signal a demand for reform and a more responsive government.
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