Recently, in the African nation of Madagascar, the President Andry Rajoelina was impeached from his position after weeks of anti-government protests in the nation. Former President Andry Rajoelina had fled the country after military personnel had joined the protests and left his position.
After removing the president from office, the Madagascar military has stepped up and taken charge of the government, planning on holding control until the next election cycle. Col. Michael Randrianirina, one of the most prominent military officers who led the rebellion against the former president, has stated that they will be taking the position of president until the next election.
The current military regime is expected to be in power for at least 18 months but no longer than 2 years unless new developments appear. The current leader, Michael Randrianirina, said, “We had to take responsibility yesterday because there is nothing left in the country, no president, no president in the senate, no government,”.
In addition to the impeachment of the president, other government systems have been suspended. In a statement from the country’s new military leaders, they list the institutions they are suspending. “The following institutions are suspended: the Senate, the High Constitutional Court, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the High Court of Justice, and the High Council for the Defense of Human Rights and the Rule of Law,” was announced by the military.
The African nation has a history of coups, shifting the leaders of the nation. The former President Rajoelina himself came into power back in 2009 with a coup. Almost comedically, Rajoelina has come out and condemned the power grab by the military.
The future of Madagascar is currently in an uncertain position, but hopefully, the new military regime can amend the mistakes of the past administration and become a good governing force for the nation.