“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 Defence of Human Rights and the Rule of Law,” stated the country’s military leaders.

Military commander Michael Randrianirina joined protests in Antananarivo, Madagascar, declaring the armed forces’ takeover of the country. Source: AP / Brian Inganga

In a day of turmoil for the country off southern Africa’s coast, the 51-year-old leader, whose whereabouts are unknown, earlier sought to dissolve the lower house by decree.

Randrianirina, a commander in the elite CAPSAT army unit that played a key role in Rajoelina’s 2009 coup, broke ranks with him last week.

In a video released earlier this week, Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina delivered a speech from an undisclosed location after being forced into hiding. Source: AP / Presidency Of The Republic Of Madagascar

In a defiant address earlier this week, Rajoelina said he had been forced to move to a safe place because of threats to his life.

Protests began on 25 September over water and power shortages, quickly escalating into an uprising over broader issues, including corruption, poor governance, and inadequate basic services.

The anger mirrored recent protests against ruling elites elsewhere, including Nepal and Morocco.

Protesters celebrate in the streets

Earlier on Tuesday, at Antananarivo’s May 13 Square, along the main street lined with palm trees and French colonial architecture, thousands of protesters danced, marched, sang, and waved banners condemning Rajoelina as a French puppet due to his dual citizenship and support from Madagascar’s former colonizer.

Protesters took to the streets of Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, to celebrate. Source: AP / Brian Inganga

Many were waving Malagasy flags and the signature gen Z protest banner of a skull and crossbones from the Japanese One Piece anime series.