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14h ago

AU Suspends Madagascar as Randrianirina Set to Be Sworn In on Friday

The continental bloc cited an unconstitutional takeover after weeks of youth-led unrest culminating in an impeachment.

CAPSAT military unit commander Col. Michael Randrianirina and his troops make their way to the presidency to announce that the armed forces are taking control of the country in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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CAPSAT military unit commander Col. Michael Randrianirina, right, speaks during an interview with the Associated Press at the CAPSAT military barracks in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Members of the CAPSAT military unit are cheered by protesters as they arrive to address a crowd, announcing plans to take over the government and dissolve the Senate and the electoral commission (CENI) in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Overview

  • Colonel Michael Randrianirina said he will take the oath before the High Constitutional Court on Friday to serve as transitional president.
  • The African Union suspended Madagascar with immediate effect and called for a swift return to civilian-led governance and elections.
  • CAPSAT forces declared they had taken power, kept the National Assembly functioning, and outlined a military-led committee with a prime minister to oversee an 18–24 month transition.
  • Lawmakers voted 130–1 to impeach Andry Rajoelina after his contested move to dissolve the assembly, and the top court declared the office vacant and invited the military to assume head-of-state functions.
  • Rajoelina fled abroad, with multiple sources saying he departed on a French military plane, as Gen Z-led protests over outages, poverty and corruption surged following a deadly crackdown reported by the UN.