Madagascar Plunged into Crisis as Military Seizes Power
The armed forces of Madagascar have officially seized control of the government, dissolving key state institutions and suspending the constitution in a dramatic coup d'état. The move comes in the wake of escalating political turmoil, including impeachment proceedings and an alleged assassination attempt against the nation's beleaguered president.
A special military unit, known as CAPSAT, has announced a series of sweeping measures that effectively dismantle the current political structure and pave the way for a military-led transitional government.
Key Developments: The Anatomy of the Coup
| Aspect | Details & Significance |
| ▶️ The Takeover | The military, led by its special forces unit (CAPSAT), has declared it is now in control of the state. This follows a period of intense political pressure on the President. |
| 🏛️ Dissolution of Government | All government bodies have been dissolved with the notable exception of the National Council. The constitution has been suspended, signaling a complete break from the existing legal and political order. |
| 📜 The Military's Roadmap | The junta has outlined a clear, multi-step plan: 1. Appoint a new Prime Minister. 2. Establish a two-year transitional government. 3. Draft a new constitution and hold a national referendum for its approval. |
| ⚖️ The New Ruling Body | A "Joint Council" will be formed to oversee the presidency. This council will be composed of high-ranking officers from the Army, domestic law enforcement, and the national police. |
| 🗣️ Official Spokesperson | Colonel Randrianirina, head of the National Security and Defense Agency, confirmed the council's composition. He stated that while military-led, the council would not exclude the participation of high-level civilian advisors, possibly to lend it a degree of legitimacy. |
| 👤 Fate of the President | The President, who was already facing widespread public protests and an impeachment process, is reportedly in hiding in a secure location following a recent assassination attempt. |
Export to Sheets
Analysis: A Nation at a Crossroads
This military intervention transforms a political crisis into a constitutional one. The military's decision to dissolve the government while pointedly sparing the "National Council" may indicate a strategic move to co-opt a part of the existing legislative structure, though its exact role remains unclear.
The proposed two-year transition period suggests the military is not planning a swift return to civilian rule. Instead, their ambition appears to be a fundamental reshaping of the state's governing charter through a new constitution.
The formation of a Joint Council dominated by security forces (army, police, law enforcement) solidifies the military's grip on executive power. However, Colonel Randrianirina's mention of civilian advisors could be an attempt to reassure international partners and the Malagasy public that the transition will not be exclusively military-run.
With the democratically elected president in hiding and the constitutional order suspended, Madagascar enters a period of profound uncertainty. The stability of the nation and the future of its democracy now hang in the balance, dependent on the actions of the new military leadership.
#Madagascar #MadagascarCoup #CoupDEtat #Africa #PoliticalCrisis #MilitaryTakeover #Antananarivo #StandWithMadagascar