The ouster of Rajoelina, who himself came to power as a transitional leader in a military-backed coup in 2009, capped weeks of protests led by young people fed up with power and water outages, persistent poverty and a lack of opportunities,

Former DJ Andry Rajoelina was the world's youngest head of state when he came to power in Madagascar in a 2009 coup. The military and youth movement were pivotal in his rise — and fall.

Madagascar is witnessing major political unrest as President Andry Rajoelina has left the country amid massive demonstrations led by young citizens demanding reliable electricity and clean water. The national parliament voted to remove him from office for neglecting his duties.

As president flees and army takes control, Gen Z protesters demand water, electricity and a well-functioning country.

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina, speaks as he appoints military general Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as Prime Minister at the Lavoloha Presidential Palace, following government dissolution amid protests over power and water shortages, in Antananarivo, Madagascar October 6, 2025. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

General Michael Randrianirina is set to be sworn in as Madagascar’s president following a military coup, as the African Union suspends the country and calls for a return to constitutional order

An elite Madagascar military unit on Tuesday announced that it had taken over power in the East African nation of Madagascar. The announcement follows weeks of anti-government protest in the country as well as the decision of the lawmakers in the country to impeach President Andry Rajoelina.

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has dissolved the National Assembly and Senate with immediate effect, ratcheting up the political crisis in the Indian Ocean island nation after protesters demanded his resignation and he went into hiding.

Impeachment vote, military takeover follow President Andry Rajoelina’s announcement to dissolve parliament - Anadolu Ajansı