A dramatic turn of events has unfolded in Madagascar, leaving the nation in a state of flux. The military's seizure of power has sparked a wave of emotions and questions.
In a bold move, the army of Madagascar took control of the country on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, following weeks of intense anti-government protests. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite CAPSAT military unit, announced that the armed forces were now in charge and would establish a committee of military and police officials to oversee the transition. He promised a swift return to civilian rule.
But here's where it gets controversial: this power grab came just minutes after members of parliament voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina. Rajoelina, who had gone into hiding fearing for his life, addressed the nation via social media on Monday, his location undisclosed. The impeachment vote, with an overwhelming majority, proceeded despite Rajoelina's efforts to dissolve the lower house of parliament.
The official Facebook page of the Madagascan presidency denounced the army's actions as a "coup d'etat," insisting that Rajoelina remained the legitimate leader. However, the youth of Madagascar, known as the "Gen Z" protesters, had other ideas. They took to the streets of Antananarivo, the capital, demanding Rajoelina's resignation due to anger over water and electricity shortages.
And this is the part most people miss: the CAPSAT military unit, the very same unit that helped Rajoelina come to power in a 2009 coup, sided with the protesters. They refused to suppress the demonstrations, referring to the protesters as their "brothers and sisters." Rajoelina, reportedly fleeing in a French plane, left the country, while some of his officials escaped to Mauritius.
Madagascar, a former French colony, has a history of rebellions. The people, especially the youth, have grown disillusioned with Rajoelina's leadership, blaming his government for poor governance, corruption, and the country's dire living conditions. Despite Rajoelina's attempts to appease the demonstrators by dismissing his government, the protests continued, with the United Nations reporting over 20 deaths and the use of deadly force by authorities.
The army, in an effort to distance itself from the label of a coup, has emphasized its neutrality and its role in restoring order. Some protesters, like Sariaka, view the military intervention as a necessary step towards progress. "The army is our last hope for a fresh start," Sariaka said. Fanilo, a medical student, echoed these sentiments, expressing relief at Rajoelina's removal. "We trust the military's promise to hand power back to civilians," he added.
So, is this a coup or a popular revolution? The lines are blurred, and the future of Madagascar hangs in the balance. What do you think? Should the military's actions be seen as a necessary evil, or is this a dangerous precedent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
