CaliToday (15/10/2025): The island nation of Madagascar was plunged into profound political uncertainty on Wednesday after the military announced it had taken control of the government, just days after the country's president was successfully impeached. A military council has declared a two-year transitional period, promising to restore order and pave the way for new elections, but the move has sparked immediate international concern and heightened tensions on the streets of the capital.
The dramatic takeover follows weeks of escalating turmoil, fueled by widespread and passionate youth-led protests demanding sweeping democratic reforms and an end to government corruption. Protestors had celebrated the parliament's recent vote to impeach the president, viewing it as a victory for their movement. However, their hopes for a swift civilian-led transition were shattered by the decisive intervention of the armed forces.
In a televised address to the nation, a high-ranking military official, who identified himself as the head of the newly formed "National Council for Restoration," stated that the army had a constitutional duty to act. "The political infighting and paralysis threatened to push our beloved nation into chaos," the spokesman declared, standing flanked by other uniformed officers. "The military has stepped in to safeguard national unity, secure the state, and guide the country through a necessary period of transition. We are not here to stay, but to restore true democracy."
The council announced that the constitution has been suspended, all government institutions dissolved, and a nationwide curfew imposed.
The situation in Antananarivo remains tense. While the capital is currently calm, military vehicles are stationed at key intersections, and soldiers patrol the perimeters of government buildings. The leaders of the youth protest movement have called for non-violent resistance, urging citizens to oppose what they are calling a "coup against the people's will."
"We did not take to the streets for weeks only to replace one authoritarian ruler with another," a prominent student activist told reporters via a secure messaging app. "The impeachment was our victory. The military has stolen it. We demand an immediate return to civilian rule and for the constitution to be respected."
International reaction has been swift and critical. The African Union is expected to hold an emergency session to discuss the situation, with a spokesperson indicating that any unconstitutional change of government is unacceptable. The French Foreign Ministry, representing Madagascar's former colonial ruler, released a statement calling for the "immediate restoration of constitutional order." Similarly, the United States has expressed grave concern and warned that the military takeover could have "significant consequences" for U.S.-Malagasy relations.
The ousted president's current whereabouts are unknown. For now, the future of this unique and biodiverse nation of 28 million people hangs precariously in the balance, caught between the promise of democratic reform and the reality of a military in command.
