Madagascar Suspended by AU as Military Leader Randrianirina Prepares to Assume Presidency After Coup

Madagascar is facing political isolation following a military coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina. The leader of the coup, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, on October 15 said he would be sworn in as president, and this led to the immediate suspension of the country from the African Union.

Rajoelina, who departed Madagascar over the weekend, was impeached by lawmakers in a nearly unanimous vote. His departure came after Gen Z-led protests and mass defections within the security forces escalated. The protests, initially sparked by shortages of water and electricity, had evolved into a general uprising demanding government accountability and reforms.

Randrianirina, the previous chief of the elite CAPSAT unit, announced the dissolution of all state institutions except the National Assembly. He demanded a military-led transition government to rule for up to two years before conducting new elections. His emergence is a dramatic turnabout, having supported Rajoelina in the 2009 coup that brought the former president to power.

The African Union condemned the coup, emphasizing constitutional order and dialogue. The 55-member organization's suspension has significant diplomatic ramifications, which can further compound Madagascar's political crisis.

Security forces, such as the gendarmerie and police, have also pulled their support for Rajoelina. Thousands of people in Antananarivo mourned a slain CAPSAT soldier, which further fueled popular unrest. With three-fourths of the country in poverty and youth movements gaining traction, the future of Madagascar is unclear under military rule.