Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina in a speech on October 13, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the Administrative and Technical Unit (CAPSAT) and commander of the Madagascar army, read a statement at the Presidential Palace declaring the suspension of the constitution and announcing the formation of an interim executive committee composed of representatives from the army, gendarmerie, and national police.

The Constitutional Court of Madagascar later confirmed Colonel Randrianirina’s authority, declaring the presidency vacant. The Presidential Office immediately rejected the move, insisting that President Rajoelina remains in power.

The current political crisis in Madegascar stems from a youth-led movement that began on September 25 to protest persistent electricity and water shortages and quickly escalated into a broader anti-government wave. Although President Rajoelina issued a decree to dissolve Parliament, lawmakers convened and voted overwhelmingly for his impeachment, with 130 votes in favor — well above the required two-thirds majority.

The US urged all parties to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful solution in line with constitutional order, and warned that US aid might be suspended if the situation is determined to be a military coup. In the last fiscal year, the US provided approximately 32 million USD in aid to Madagascar, primarily for health and humanitarian programs.