Madagascar’s political crisis deepened on Tuesday as the military announced it had taken control of the country following the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite CAPSAT unit, declared the takeover outside the presidential palace, stating that the armed forces were “establishing a national reform mechanism to meet the aspirations of the Malagasy people.”
He said the government structures under the 2010 constitution had been dissolved to restore democracy and rebuild public trust, while assuring that the National Assembly would continue to function under a new transitional arrangement.
The new structure, Randrianirina explained, would include a joint presidency, an operational government, and judicial reforms led by the Supreme Constitutional Court.
The coup followed weeks of mass anti-government protests led by young demonstrators demanding reform.
Tensions escalated over the weekend when Randrianirina’s unit joined the protesters, prompting Rajoelina to accuse rivals of plotting to overthrow him before reportedly fleeing the country.
