What's happened
Madagascar's President Rajoelina has fled the country amid escalating protests, military defections, and an attempted impeachment. He issued a decree to dissolve parliament, which opposition leaders reject as illegal. The situation remains volatile as protests and military actions continue today.
What's behind the headline?
The current crisis in Madagascar underscores the fragility of its political system, with Rajoelina's move to dissolve parliament seen as a pre-emptive attempt to block impeachment. The support of parts of the military and police for protests indicates a significant challenge to his authority. His flight from the country, reportedly on a French military aircraft, signals a potential power vacuum and increased instability. The situation is reminiscent of past coups, notably in 2009, and suggests that Madagascar's political landscape remains highly volatile. The opposition's rejection of Rajoelina's decree as unconstitutional further complicates the crisis, risking escalation into broader conflict. The international community's response, particularly France's, will likely influence the unfolding events, but the immediate future points to continued unrest and uncertainty.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that Rajoelina issued a decree to dissolve the parliament ahead of an impeachment vote, which opposition leaders immediately branded as illegal. The president has fled the country, supported by some military units, amid deadly protests and defections, echoing past coups. The South China Morning Post details the protests' origins and the military's role, including the elite CAPSAT unit's involvement in previous power shifts. Bloomberg notes Rajoelina's declaration that the decree is effective immediately, despite opposition claims of procedural illegality. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern but did not confirm Rajoelina's evacuation, highlighting international interest. The reports collectively depict a country in deep political crisis, with Rajoelina's departure and the military's defection marking a critical turning point.
How we got here
Protests in Madagascar began on September 25 over water and power shortages, quickly expanding into broader grievances including poverty and corruption. Rajoelina's government faced deadly clashes, with some military units defecting and calling for his resignation. The president had previously sacked his government and was under pressure from opposition and protesters. His departure on a French military plane followed military defections and unrest, echoing past political crises in Madagascar.
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Common question
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What’s Behind Madagascar’s Emergency Decree and Protests?
Madagascar is currently experiencing a serious political crisis marked by protests, clashes, and a controversial emergency decree issued by President Rajoelina. Many are asking what’s driving this unrest, who is involved, and what it means for the country’s future. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this turbulent situation to help you understand the latest developments.
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Andry Nirina Rajoelina is a Malagasy politician and businessman who has been the president of Madagascar since 2019. He was previously president of a provisional government from 2009 to 2014 following a political crisis and military-backed coup, having he
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Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, and previously known as the Malagasy Republic, is an island country in the Indian Ocean, approximately 400 kilometres off the coast of East Africa.