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5h ago

Madagascar Coup Leader Says He Will Be Sworn In as President Following Military Takeover

The African Union suspended Madagascar in response to the CAPSAT-led seizure of power.

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 announced he expects to take the oath within days after the High Constitutional Court invited him to assume head-of-state duties.
  • Lawmakers impeached President Andry Rajoelina after he tried to dissolve the National Assembly, and CAPSAT forces declared they had taken control.
  • Randrianirina said all state institutions except the lower house were suspended and that a military-led committee will oversee a transition with elections in 18 to 24 months.
  • Rajoelina fled to a safe location and is reported to have left on a French military aircraft, with several sources saying he is believed to be in Dubai, though France has not confirmed any role.
  • The UN, SADC and rights groups voiced concern over an unconstitutional change of power, and the UN has counted at least 22 deaths and more than 100 injuries from earlier crackdowns, a toll the government disputes.