The African Union has suspended Madagascar from all its activities after an elite military unit seized power, ousting President Andry Rajoelina from office.
The suspension came after Madagascar’s top court confirmed Colonel Michael Randrianirina as the new leader, plunging the country into fresh political uncertainty.
In a statement to AFP, AU Commission Chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said, “The country is suspended with immediate effect.” The decision came in response to what the AU described as an unconstitutional change of government, following the impeachment and subsequent removal of President Rajoelina by the military.
The coup, led by Colonel Randrianirina, took place shortly after lawmakers impeached Rajoelina over alleged constitutional violations and corruption charges. Witnesses reported heavy military presence in the capital, Antananarivo, as troops surrounded government buildings and the presidential palace.
According to local reports, Colonel Randrianirina announced that his takeover was necessary to “restore order and national unity.” He pledged to establish a transitional government to prepare for fresh elections, although no timeline has been provided.
The African Union strongly condemned the military intervention and called for an immediate return to constitutional order. “We urge all parties to engage in peaceful dialogue and avoid further destabilization of the region,” the AU statement added.
International observers, including the United Nations and regional partners, have expressed concern over the situation, warning that sanctions could follow if democratic rule is not quickly restored. The political crisis has heightened fears of instability in the Indian Ocean nation, which has faced repeated coups over the past two decades.