A military coup has occurred in Madagascar, according to an Associated Press report which also details the nation’s parliament and President Andry Rajoelina, who recently departed the country.
Madagascar is a substantial island located off the coast of the mainland continent.
Immediately following the parliamentary vote to impeach Rajoelina, who departed the nation out of safety concerns, the head of Madagascar’s elite CAPSAT military unit declared that the armed forces would establish a council comprising military and police officers (also known as gendarmerie), and would designate a prime minister to “swiftly” create a civilian administration.
“We are seizing control,” declared Col. Michael Randrianirina, as per the .
He further stated that the constitution and the High Constitutional Court’s authority had been suspended, and a referendum would be conducted in two years, although he provided no specific details.
The president’s office released a statement denouncing the as an “unlawful declaration” and “a significant violation of the rule of law,” asserting that “the Republic of Madagascar cannot be held captive by force. The State endures,” according to the AP.
Rajoelina issued a decree that sought to dissolve the nation’s lower house of parliament, seemingly in an effort to avoid impeachment, the AP reported, adding that the lawmakers disregarded this action.
CAPSAT, a military unit, previously rebelled against the national government in 2009 and played a role in Rajoelina’s ascent to power, as reported by the outlet.
This report includes contributions from The Associated Press