Madagascar’s National Assembly Votes to Impeach President Rajoelina

Madagascar’s National Assembly voted on October 14, 2023, to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, who has fled to an undisclosed location following a standoff with youth-led protesters and military forces. The lower house of parliament made this decisive move with 130 votes in favor and one blank ballot, escalating the political turmoil in the Indian Ocean island nation.

Rajoelina’s flight was facilitated by a French military aircraft after he attempted to dissolve the National Assembly by decree earlier that day. In response to the assembly’s decision, Rajoelina’s administration claimed the meeting was unconstitutional, rendering any resolutions “null and void.”

Political Crisis and Protests

The president, now outside the country, has stated he relocated due to threats against his life. Reports indicate that he departed on October 8, 2023, aboard a French military plane, as confirmed by an opposition official, a military source, and a foreign diplomat.

In a post on social media platform X, Rajoelina justified his decree to dissolve the assembly, stating it was necessary “to restore order” and emphasized the importance of listening to the youth of Madagascar. He announced plans for elections to be held within 60 days at the earliest. However, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, the leader of the opposition in the assembly and its vice president, countered that the decree lacked legal validity, claiming he was not consulted in the decision-making process.

Protests erupted on September 25, 2023, initially sparked by shortages of water and electricity. The demonstrations quickly escalated into a broader uprising fueled by grievances over corruption, poor governance, and inadequate basic services. This public outcry mirrors similar protests against ruling elites in other countries, including Nepal and Morocco.

Public Sentiment and Military Dynamics

On the streets of Antananarivo, particularly at the historic 13 May Square, thousands of demonstrators gathered, expressing their discontent through dance, music, and banners that condemned Rajoelina as a “French stooge” due to his dual citizenship and perceived ties to Madagascar’s former colonizer. Protesters waved Malagasy flags alongside a popular protest emblem featuring a skull and crossbones inspired by the Japanese anime series “One Piece.”

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation, asserting the need to preserve constitutional order while acknowledging the youth’s grievances. He cautioned against the exploitation of these protests by military factions.

Rajoelina’s political isolation has intensified following the loss of support from the CAPSAT elite military unit, which had previously aided him in seizing power during a coup in 2009. Over the weekend, CAPSAT joined the protesters, declaring they would not fire upon them and even escorting demonstrators in the capital. The unit subsequently announced it was taking control of the military and appointed a new army chief. Rajoelina responded by warning of an impending power grab.

In a further blow to his authority, both the paramilitary gendarmerie and the police have distanced themselves from the president. Madagascar, home to approximately 30 million people, has a median age of less than 20 years, with about three-quarters of the population living in poverty. According to the World Bank, the country’s gross domestic product per capita has declined by 45 percent since gaining independence in 1960.

As Madagascar grapples with these profound political changes, the future remains uncertain. The events unfolding in the nation reflect a growing wave of youth-led movements demanding accountability and reform in governance.