Madagascar Military Seizes Power as President Flees Amidst Protests

Military Takeover in Madagascar

• ⚡ Madagascar's military has announced it has taken control of the Indian Ocean island nation.
• 👑 This follows the departure of President Andry Rajoelina abroad amidst a standoff with protesters and security forces.

Anti-Government Protests and Impeachment

• ✊ Gen Z demonstrators gathered in the capital, Tananarivo, as the military made its move.
• 🏛️ An army colonel stated that all institutions would be dissolved, except for the lower house of parliament, which had voted to impeach Rajoelina shortly before.
• ✅ Protesters expressed joy, noting a rapid shift from conflict with the military to their support for the anti-government movement.

President's Refusal to Step Down

• ✈️ Despite fleeing the country on a French military jet, Rajoelina is refusing to resign.
• 🗣️ The presidency had previously declared the impeachment vote unconstitutional.
• 🇫🇷 French President Emmanuel Macron urged for the preservation of constitutional order and cautioned against the exploitation of youth grievances by military factions.