President Of Madagascar Rajoelina Escapes, Military Takes Power

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina/PHOTO via Instagram @andry_rajoelina

JAKARTA - The Madagascarn military took control of the island in the Indian Ocean after President Andry Rajoelina fled overseas due to the military-backed demonstration of Gen Z.

We have taken power," said Madagascar Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led the army's insurgency that joined the Generation Z anti-government demonstrators, via national radio as reported by Reuters, Tuesday, October 14.

Randrianirina said the military dissolved all institutions except the lower house of parliament or the National Assembly, which had voted to impeach Rajoelina minutes earlier.

Amid the chaos that hit the country off the east African coast, the 51-year-old leader has attempted to dissolve the assembly by decree.

Despite flying on a French military jet, Rajoelina refused to step down. He opposed the weeks-long protests of Gen Z demanding his resignation and widespread defection in the military.

To date, Madagascar's presidency has not responded to Randrianirina's claims, but Rajoelina's office previously said the assembly's meeting was unconstitutional. Therefore any resolution is considered by the presidency, "naturally by law."

Rajoelina said she moved to a safe place due to threats to her life.

An opposition official, a military source, and a foreign diplomat told Reuters President Madagascar had left the country on Sunday on a French military plane.

Demonstrations erupted in the country on September 25 due to water and electricity shortages, and rapidly escalated to insurgency over broader complaints, including corruption, poor governance, and lack of basic public services.

In the midst of a chaotic situation, Madagascar's President Rajoelina appointed military general Zafisambo as the new Prime Minister.

The demonstration movement in Madagascar reflects recent protests against the ruling elite elsewhere, including Nepal and Morocco.

On Tuesday, on May 13, Antanandarivo, along the main street, thousands of protesters danced, lined up, sang songs, and waved banners criticizing Rajoelina as France'sgot because of her dual citizenship and support from the former inhabitants of Madagascar.

Many raised the Malagasi flag and protest banners typical of Gen Z in the form of skulls and intersecting bones from the Japanese anime series "One Piece".

At one point, Randrianirina took to the stage and asked: "Are you ready to accept the military takeover?", which was greeted with cheers of laughter.