The Army Command and Operational Support (CAPSAT) unit today announced it has taken power in Madagascar, effectively establishing a governing committee in the wake of the National Assembly’s successful impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina.
The military intervention follows weeks of youth-led, anti-government street protests and a significant breakdown in constitutional governance. The demonstrations, spearheaded by the “Gen Z” movement, escalated when CAPSAT and, subsequently, the Gendarmerie paramilitary police force publicly aligned with the protesters’ demands for the President to step down.
Speaking from the presidential palace, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, CAPSAT Commander, confirmed the power transition. He announced the immediate formation of a governing committee composed of senior officers from the Army, Gendarmerie, and National Police.
“It is this committee that will carry out the work of the presidency,” Colonel Randrianirina stated. He further indicated a clear, short-term plan to establish a civilian government within the coming days, with the potential inclusion of senior civilian advisers in the initial governing body.
The military move comes after the National Assembly voted 130-0 to impeach President Rajoelina, well exceeding the two-thirds constitutional threshold in the 163-member chamber. This vote proceeded despite the President’s attempt to dissolve the assembly hours earlier via decree. The military unit’s actions stabilize the political environment following the constitutional impasse.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as the new president of Madagascar days after a military takeover.
He succeeds President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country and was later impeached following weeks of youth-led protests.https://t.co/jSFkBg2QOc pic.twitter.com/jbZ7XPflVT
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) October 17, 2025
Immediately following the announcement, military officers were observed moving through the capital in armored vehicles, pick-up trucks, and Humvees. The convoys were met with widespread cheering and supportive public demonstrations as crowds celebrated the end of the Rajoelina presidency.
President Rajoelina, who has refused to step down and was reported to be outside the country in a “safe place,” had not been seen in public for several days prior to his Monday address where he pledged to find “solutions” to the crisis.
The military leadership is committed to ensuring national stability, guaranteeing the safety of the populace, and steering the nation back toward constitutional normalcy through the establishment of an interim civilian administration.
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