Madagascar military seizes power

An elite military unit in Madagascar has taken control of the government from President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of youth-led demonstrations demanding political reforms.

According to BBC reports, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led the mutiny, has been confirmed by the country’s Constitutional Court as the new head of state.

He announced that fresh elections will be held in two years.

President Rajoelina has not been seen in public for several days but dismissed the impeachment vote against him as “null and void.”

In a Facebook Live address, he claimed that he had fled for his life as the protests intensified.

The unrest, which began as demonstrations over persistent water and electricity shortages, quickly grew into a wider movement calling for the president’s resignation and government accountability.

The situation in Madagascar remains tense as the military consolidates power and citizens await the next steps toward a promised democratic transition.

Source: BBC