In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves across the Indian Ocean, Madagascar’s government appears to have collapsed. After weeks of escalating anti-government protests demanding his resignation, President Andry Rajoelina has reportedly fled the country—and the military has announced it has taken control. The situation remains fluid, with limited verified information, but what is clear is that Madagascar is facing its most severe political crisis in over a decade .
Table of Contents
- Protests Erupt Over Economic Hardship and Authoritarian Rule
- President Disappears as Military Steps In
- What We Know—and Don’t Know—About the Coup
- Regional and Global Implications
- Timeline of Madagascar’s Political Unraveling
Protests Erupt Over Economic Hardship and Authoritarian Rule
For weeks, tens of thousands of Malagasy citizens flooded the streets of Antananarivo, the capital, voicing fury over soaring inflation, food shortages, and what many describe as Rajoelina’s increasingly autocratic leadership. The unrest intensified after Rajoelina dissolved parliament just days before an expected impeachment vote—a move widely condemned as unconstitutional .
Protesters accused the president of manipulating institutions to cling to power, echoing concerns from international observers who have long warned about democratic backsliding in Madagascar under his rule.
President Disappears as Military Steps In
As demonstrations grew more intense, President Rajoelina’s whereabouts became unclear. Multiple sources, including regional diplomats cited by The New York Times, suggest he has left the country—possibly seeking refuge in a neighboring nation or in Europe .
Shortly after his disappearance, Madagascar’s military issued a public statement declaring it had “assumed responsibility for the nation’s security and governance.” While the statement stopped short of using the word “coup,” the takeover bears all the hallmarks of one—a deeply troubling development in a country with a history of military interventions in politics.
What We Know—and Don’t Know—About the Coup
At this stage, key questions remain unanswered: Who is leading the military junta? Will there be a transitional government? And most critically, will the military allow a return to civilian rule?
John Eligon, The New York Times’ Johannesburg bureau chief, notes that communication from within Madagascar has been spotty, with internet outages and restricted media access complicating efforts to verify claims . This information vacuum has fueled both hope and fear among citizens and the international community alike.
Regional and Global Implications
Madagascar’s instability comes at a sensitive time for the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), both of which have strict anti-coup protocols. A military takeover could trigger sanctions, suspension from regional bodies, and a freeze on international aid—further deepening the country’s economic woes.
Moreover, Madagascar’s strategic location and rich natural resources, including rare earth minerals critical for green technology, mean global powers—including the U.S., China, and France—will be watching closely.
Timeline of Madagascar’s Political Unraveling
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early October 2025 | Mass protests erupt in Antananarivo over economic crisis and governance |
| October 13, 2025 | President Rajoelina dissolves parliament ahead of impeachment vote |
| October 14–16, 2025 | Protests intensify; reports of clashes between demonstrators and security forces |
| October 17, 2025 | Military announces takeover; Rajoelina’s location unknown |
