The country’s High Constitutional Court has asked army chief Michael Randrianirina to “exercise the functions” of president
The United Nations has said it is concerned about any unconstitutional changes of power in Madagascar and stands ready to work with the African Union and regional authorities to help restore peace and stability after lawmakers voted to impeach the president.
Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN secretary-general, made the remarks at a briefing on Tuesday after army commander Colonel Michael Randrianirina declared that the military had taken power in the Indian Ocean nation.
“We’re trying to see exactly what happens when once the dust has settled… If there is a coup under way, we would stand against that,” Haq said, responding to a question about the UN’s stance on Madagascar’s political crisis.
The southern African state has faced unrest since September 25, when youth-led protests over electricity and water shortages swelled; soldiers from the elite CAPSAT unit condemned the alleged repression of demonstrators and joined the crowds.
The demonstrators gave Rajoelina 48 hours to resign, but he instead fled the country for a “safe location” and denounced the events as an attempted power grab. Earlier on Tuesday, he sought to dissolve the National Assembly as impeachment loomed. In late September, he dismissed his cabinet and appointed a new prime minister to ease tensions.
On Tuesday, Madagascar’s top court asked Colonel Randrianirina to serve as head of state, saying Rajoelina cannot fulfill his duties because “he is not, and cannot be” in the country, which amounts to “passive abandonment of power.”
The High Constitutional Court has tasked the army chief with holding elections within 60 days of its decision.
“It is appropriate… to note the vacancy of the posts of president and … to entrust Colonel Randrianirina Michael, who embodies the competent military authority, to exercise the functions of President,” the HCC stated.
Rajoelina denounced the move as “illegal” and “a direct attack on the republic itself, its founding values, and the sovereignty of the Malagasy people,” insisting that he remains the legitimate leader.
The former DJ first rose to power in a 2009 coup, won the presidency in 2018, and was reelected in a disputed 2023 vote.
