African Union Suspends Madagascar After Army Ousts President And Seizes Power
The African Union has suspended Madagascar after the country’s military seized power and announced plans to install a transitional government, marking the latest political upheaval in the island nation. In a statement on Wednesday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said the suspension takes effect immediately, stressing that “the rule of law must prevail over the rule of force.” The crisis erupted after weeks of “Gen-Z” anti-government protests over worsening water and electricity shortages. The unrest deepened when President Andry Rajoelina dismissed his entire cabinet, a decision that triggered mass demonstrations and calls for his resignation. Amid the growing tension, elements of the military joined the protesters, leaving the president politically vulnerable. Rajoelina fled the country fearing for his safety but attempted to dissolve the National Assembly from an undisclosed location. Lawmakers defied his decree and voted to impeach him on Tuesday. Shortly after, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the elite CAPSAT military unit, declared that the armed forces had taken over, dissolved key state institutions, and would form a transitional authority to steer the nation. The AU’s swift suspension reflects its long-standing policy of rejecting any unconstitutional change of government among member states.
