Madagascar’s constitutional court has declared the presidency of Andry Rajoelina vacant, appointing Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite army unit CAPSAT, as the country’s new leader.
The announcement marks a dramatic escalation in the island nation’s ongoing political crisis, following weeks of youth-led protests and divisions within the military.
According to local media reports, Rajoelina fled the country on Sunday after sections of the army defected to join demonstrators demanding his resignation.
Before his departure, the embattled president had alleged that a group within the military was plotting to seize power illegally.
Hours after the court’s declaration, CAPSAT announced it had taken control of the country’s armed forces — including the army, air force, and navy.
On Tuesday, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to impeach Rajoelina, but the president had dismissed the process, describing it as “null and void.”
Following the vote, Randrianirina announced that CAPSAT had assumed full control of government functions, suspending key constitutional institutions such as the Senate, Constitutional Court, and Electoral Commission.
READ ALSO: Madagascar’s President Reportedly Flees Amid Military Uprising, Widespread Protests
He, however, spared the lower house of parliament, which initiated Rajoelina’s impeachment.
When asked about plans for elections, Randrianirina confirmed that polls would be held “within 18 months to two years,” adding that the demands of the youth protesters — who he acknowledged as the driving force behind the movement — would be respected.
Despite the suspension of the constitutional court, the judiciary body issued a statement affirming its decision to declare the presidency vacant and instructed Randrianirina to organize elections within 60 days, in line with the law.
The latest developments have plunged Madagascar into uncertainty as the nation of nearly 30 million people faces one of its most serious political upheavals in recent years.