The African Union Temporarily Revokes Culture Membership After The Military Coup

JAKARTA - The African Union (UA) decided to suspend its Madagascar membership, just hours after the leader of the military coup in the country said he would be sworn in as president.

"Legal forecasts must be enforced over military rule," said Chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, in his official statement and asserting that the suspension decision was immediately issued by ANTARA from Anadolu, Thursday, October 16.

President Andry Rajoelina has reportedly fled overseas for security reasons, after months of facing a wave of anti-government protests driven by the young group "Gen-Z".

The action was also followed by some military factions protesting the prolonged water and electricity crisis. Rajoelina's decision to fire all members of the government actually increased pressure for her to resign from her position.

From an undisclosed location, Rajoelina had issued a decree to dissolve the National Assembly. However, the legislative body rejected the decree and chose to impeach it on Tuesday.

Shortly thereafter, Colonel Michael Randrianirina together with the elite CAPSAT forces announced that the military had taken control of the country, dissolved most government agencies, and would form a transitional government.

Randrianirina told reporters in the morning that she would soon be sworn in as president after the High Constitutional Court invited her to carry out the role.

On the same day, the South African Development Community (SADC) formed a panel of senior figures to ease tensions in the former French colony.

Malawi President Peter Mutharika, as Chairman of the SADC for Political, Defense and Security Affairs, stated that the panel will be led by former President Malawi Joyce Banda, on a mission to promote national self-control, peace, and dialogue in Madagascar.

"There should no longer be Madagascarns who have lost their lives as a result of this riot," said Mutharika.