Antananarivo, Madagascar – In a dramatic escalation of the political crisis gripping the island nation, Madagascar’s military announced on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, that it has suspended the country’s constitution and seized power. The move followed a tumultuous day where the nation’s parliament voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, a decision the military has now seemingly endorsed through a coup d’état.
Military Assumes Control Amid Political Turmoil
The announcement came from the Army Personnel Administration Center (CAPSAT), which declared the suspension of the constitution and the collective assumption of the country's presidency by its officers. This major government policy shift effectively dissolves the existing political structure in the wake of weeks of intense anti-government demonstrations sweeping across Madagascar.
The catalyst for the military intervention was the National Assembly’s vote to impeach President Rajoelina. Earlier in the day, President Rajoelina had attempted to preempt the political fallout by dissolving parliament himself, citing the need to restore order and "make room for the youth." However, this preemptive measure failed to quell the unrest, leading directly to the military’s declaration of a takeover.
Transition Period Outlined
According to the military statement, the transition period is slated to extend over two years. A significant component of this planned transition involves a national referendum to establish a new constitution. While the presidency is now collectively held by military officers, the National Assembly is reported to remain in place, though five other key institutions have been suspended as part of the power consolidation.
This development places Madagascar back into a period of significant political uncertainty, echoing previous instances of instability on the island. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, given the potential ramifications for regional stability and the country's democratic trajectory.
Context of National Protests
The political upheaval did not occur in a vacuum. The impeachment proceedings and subsequent military action stem from weeks of widespread anti-government protests. These demonstrations reflected deep-seated public dissatisfaction, the specific grievances of which are now being overshadowed by the immediate constitutional crisis.
The events of October 15th mark a critical juncture for Madagascar politics. The decision by the armed forces to intervene directly by suspending the supreme law of the land is a profound policy action with global implications for governance and democratic norms in Africa.
International Repercussions and Focus
While other international news on this date included developments regarding the Gaza ceasefire agreement and ongoing US budget debates, the swift and decisive government policy shift in Madagascar commands singular attention from foreign affairs ministries globally. Analysts will be keenly observing how regional bodies and international partners respond to the military’s assumption of executive authority.
The immediate focus for global observers will be on the adherence of the military junta to the promised two-year transition timeline and the scheduled constitutional referendum. The commitment to democratic processes, even under military oversight, will be a key metric for assessing the legitimacy and future direction of the Malagasy state.
Keywords: Madagascar, military coup, constitution suspended, President Rajoelina, impeachment, political crisis, CAPSAT, international politics, government policy.