France is about to lose another African ally. Following weeks of mass protests by “Gen-Z” youths, the national army and security forces have taken power in Madagascar.
On Oct. 14, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the Army Corps of Personnel and Administrative and Technical Services (CAPSAT), announced that a “Council of the Presidency of the Republic for Reform,” comprised of “officers of the army and gendarmerie,” had assumed the leadership of the country. This Council will be chaired by Colonel Randrianirina. He also announced the suspension of the Constitution of the 4th Republic, as well as the institutions and bodies provided for in the Basic Law.
Speaking to journalists in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace of Ambohitsorohitra, Colonel Randrianirina said: “We took power. We are at the presidential palace. We take power from today. This crisis has lasted long enough, there is nothing that works in Madagascar.” He added: “The new regime has as its mission to carry out a national reform,” over a period of not more than two years, and that a constitutional referendum and general elections will be held during this period.
The move follows three weeks of demonstrations throughout the island nation in protest over the lack of electricity and water. Led by so-called Gen Z youth movement, the demonstrations called for President Andry Rajoelina to step down. After Rajoelina’s refusal, CAPSAT soldiers and officers joined the demonstrators, while ordering all security forces to not attack protesters. Shortly afterward, President Rajoelina fled the country on a French military aircraft.
