African Union suspends Madagascar after military coup

The African Union has suspended Madagascar's membership following a military coup that has seen Colonel Michael Randrianirina announce his intention to assume the presidency. The immediate suspension by the 55-nation bloc represents a strong continental response to the seizure of power by military forces in the Indian Ocean island nation.

AU's Strong Stance

"The rule of law must prevail over the rule of force," declared AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf in announcing the suspension. The decision came shortly after Colonel Randrianirina, leader of the elite CAPSAT military unit, revealed he would be sworn in as president following an invitation from the country's High Constitutional Court to serve as head of state.

Political Unrest Preceding Coup

The military takeover culminated weeks of escalating political crisis that began with widespread "Gen-Z" protests over severe water and electricity shortages. The situation deteriorated when President Andry Rajoelina fired his entire government, further fueling demands for his resignation. Fearing for his safety, Rajoelina fled the country and attempted to dissolve the National Assembly from an undisclosed location, a move that parliament disregarded before voting to impeach him on Tuesday.

Regional Mediation Efforts

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has initiated diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis in the former French colony. Malawian President Peter Mutharika, who chairs the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation, announced the appointment of a panel of elders led by former Malawian President Joyce Banda. "No further Malagasy lives should be lost due to the unrest," Mutharika stated, emphasizing the mission's goal of achieving restraint, peace and dialogue.