Madagascar In Turmoil As President Dissolves Parliament To Halt Impeachment
Antananarivo is in a dramatic escalation of Madagascar’s political crisis, President Andry Rajoelina has dissolved the country’s National Assembly in what opposition leaders are calling a clear attempt to block a pending impeachment vote. The decree, issued on October 14, 2025, comes as widespread protests and military defections challenge his hold on power.
The president’s announcement was made via a public statement on social media, just as lawmakers prepared to begin impeachment proceedings. Rajoelina cited the need to restore order and consult with political stakeholders, but critics argue the move is unconstitutional and aimed solely at stalling his removal from office.
Over recent weeks, Madagascar has been gripped by a wave of public demonstrations, primarily led by young people demanding better governance, basic services and an end to corruption. The protests have gained momentum as a powerful military faction known as CAPSAT, historically influential in the country’s political affairs, openly sided with demonstrators. The president’s position became increasingly precarious when members of this unit refused to follow government orders, raising fears of a coup.
Amid the growing unrest, opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly began organizing an impeachment motion, accusing Rajoelina of authoritarian overreach and constitutional violations. Dissolving parliament halts that process immediately, prompting accusations that the president is using legal tools to undermine democratic checks and balances. According to the constitution, dissolving the National Assembly requires formal consultations with both the Assembly and the Senate. Opposition leaders claim no such consultations took place, rendering the decree invalid. The presidency, however, insists that all legal procedures were followed.
Rajoelina has reportedly left the country, citing concerns for his personal safety, though his office has not confirmed his current location. His departure, combined with the parliamentary dissolution, has left a power vacuum in the capital and heightened tensions across the nation. Legal experts and civil society groups have expressed concern that the president’s actions could deepen the crisis and set a dangerous precedent. Without a functioning legislature, the country’s democratic institutions are now under serious strain.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with regional bodies urging restraint and a return to constitutional order. As protests continue and the political standoff intensifies, Madagascar faces a period of uncertainty with no clear resolution in sight. The coming days will likely to determine whether the constitutional crisis can be resolved peacefully or if the country is headed to a deeper political instability
