Madagascar’s Presidency has denounced what it described as an “attempted coup,” as the military moves to assert control in the capital.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Presidency of the Republic condemned “a blatant attempt to seize power by force” following the intrusion of soldiers into the Ambohitsorohitra Palace and the declaration of a so-called “military council” claiming to be the country’s new supreme authority.
The statement denounced “a grave attack on republican legality,” reminding the public that “Madagascar is a state governed by the rule of law and its constitution,” and stressing that “no authority can be acquired through force or outside constitutional procedures.”
According to the communiqué, the actions constitute “a flagrant violation of the constitution, democratic principles, and the oath of the armed forces to protect the nation and its legitimate institutions.”
Rajoelina insists he is still Malagasy President
The Presidency emphasised that President Andry Rajoelina “remains fully in office” and is “ensuring the preservation of constitutional order and national stability.” It further declared that “the Republic cannot be held hostage by force” and that “the Nation remains united around the Constitution, the only legitimate reference for the Malagasy people.”
Dissolution announced before power vacuum
The developments come amid mounting institutional tensions. Earlier in the day, President Rajoelina had announced the dissolution of the National Assembly, just as lawmakers were preparing to debate an impeachment motion. Shortly after the announcement, the assembly convened nonetheless and declared the presidency vacant, claiming that the head of state had left the country for security reasons.
Of the 131 lawmakers present, 130 voted in favour of Rajoelina’s removal, with only one abstention. Members of the IRMAR parliamentary group were among those who supported the motion.
Disputed dissolution decree
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, dismissed the presidential decree dissolving parliament as “legally void,” citing “the absence of an official signature and presidential seal.” He added that the Speaker of the assembly had neither been consulted nor informed beforehand.
Transitional National Defense Council announced
Moments after the Assembly’s declaration of a power vacuum, the military announced it had taken control of the country. Colonel Mikaël Randrianirina proclaimed the creation of the Transitional National Defense Council (TNDC), an organ established by the CAPSAT to govern Madagascar during a transitional period declared on Tuesday.
According to the colonel, the TNDC will assume presidential powers alongside a transitional government, the reinstated National Assembly, and a newly formed High Court for Renewal. The December 11, 2010 constitution and several key institutions — including the Senate, the High Constitutional Court (HCC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), the High Court of Justice (HCJ), and the High Council for the Defense of Democracy and the Rule of Law (HCDDED) — have been suspended.
Colonel Randrianirina said the transition, which is expected to last no more than two years, aims to restore stability and ensure “a return to republican legality” before a constitutional referendum and general elections are held.
AC/sf/lb/as/APA