The dark cloud of uncertainty looms over Madagascar after the elite forces under the leadership of Colonel Michael Randrianirina took over government, following the impeachment of president Andry Rajoelina by parliament.
The leader of the army’s elite CAPSAT unit made the announcement on national radio. He confirmed, “We have taken the power.” He later revealed that some arms of the government had been suspended and that the military would rule for a period of two years alongside a transitional government.
“The renovation period will last a maximum of two years. During this time, a referendum will be held to establish a new constitution, followed by elections to gradually set up the new institutions,” Randrianirina said.
“The following institutions are suspended: the Senate, the High Constitutional Court, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the High Court of Justice, and the High Council for the Defense of Human Rights and the Rule of Law,” The military leader announced.
Andry Rajoelina, the embattled president, earlier attempted to dissolve parliament by decree, but the lawmakers proceeded with his impeachment. The president’s office made a statement claiming Rajoelina is still in control although his whereabouts are unknown.
“The president of the republic remains fully in office and ensures the maintenance of constitutional order and national stability,” the statement said.
A crowd of protesters cheered, shouted, and welcomed the announcement of the military seizing control of government.
Several weeks earlier, Rajoelina was battling with a growing call by protesters, mainly youths, to step down in the midst of poor economic performance, corruption and failing government systems.
The ant-government protests took a different turn when the country’s elite unit of the army joined protesters, took over control of government and suspended the constitution. The same military unit played a key role in 2009 when Rajoelina first came to power.
