The African Union has suspended Madagascar following a military takeover that ousted President Andry Rajoelina. The country’s constitutional court announced Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite army unit CAPSAT, as the new leader after declaring the president’s seat vacant.
Rajoelina reportedly fled the country on Sunday after sections of the army joined youth-led protests that had continued for weeks. Randrianirina, after assuming control, suspended key constitutional institutions including the senate, electoral commission and the constitutional court, but spared the lower house which had earlier voted to impeach the president.
At an AU Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa, the commission’s chairperson, Mahmoud Youssouf, condemned the takeover, saying the union would not tolerate unconstitutional changes of government. He urged Madagascar’s military authorities to restore civilian rule through dialogue and adherence to the rule of law.
Randrianirina has said the military intends to govern for up to two years alongside a transitional government before conducting elections. However, the constitutional court has directed that new polls must be held within 60 days.
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