Rajoelina Dissolves Madagascar Parliament Amid Crisis

Madagascar Crisis: Rajoelina Dissolves Assembly

In a bold and explosive move that has stunned Madagascar and attracted worldwide attention, President Andry Rajoelina announced on October 14, 2025, that he was dissolving the National Assembly. This decision effectively stopped an impeachment vote that could have removed him from office.

The announcement comes at a time of intense tension: mass protests, accusations of an attempted coup, and widespread frustration among citizens have converged in what many view as a political upheaval.

The Spark: Rising Discontent Boiling Over

Madagascar has been simmering with public dissatisfaction for months. Youth-led protests have spread through cities and rural areas alike, marked by demands for accountability over everyday hardships: frequent power outages, water shortages, and the government’s perceived failure to provide basic services.

These are not isolated problems; they are symptoms of deeper institutional divides in a country long plagued by economic struggles, corruption, and weak governance structures. Madagascar, abundant in natural beauty and biodiversity, has consistently fought to turn its resources into widespread prosperity.

Rajoelina’s critics have accused him of moving toward authoritarianism. After seizing power in a 2009 coup, he returned to power through elections in 2018 and 2023. Detractors claim that his record is marked by centralizing power and ignoring grassroots grievances.

The opposition parties' attempt to push for impeachment was gaining momentum. If the vote had proceeded, it might have succeeded in removing him. Instead, Rajoelina preempted them, issuing a presidential decree that dissolved both the National Assembly and the Senate, effective immediately.

 Legal Fight and Constitutional Firestorm

The dissolution has sparked intense debate over its legality and legitimacy. Opposition leaders, including Marc Ravalomanana, a former president and longtime rival of Rajoelina, have condemned the action as unconstitutional. They argue that the decree sidesteps legislative procedures meant to safeguard democratic institutions.

Madagascar’s constitution allows the president to dissolve parliament under specific conditions. However, critics argue that the decree undermines those safeguards. They claim Rajoelina’s actions were driven by political self-preservation rather than constitutional necessity.

Amidst the chaos, the president’s location added another layer of mystery. Some reports suggested he had left the country. Others claim the decree was signed in Madagascar. The lack of clarity has fueled speculation about a growing power vacuum and increased tensions among security forces tasked with keeping order.

Domestic & International Stakes

This is not just a local political crisis; its effects reach beyond Madagascar’s borders. Positioned strategically in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is a key point for regional trade routes and environmental initiatives. Instability could scare off foreign investors, disrupt aid flows, and hinder conservation efforts related to climate resilience.

A destabilized government may struggle to respond to natural disasters such as cyclones and flooding, manage food security, or enforce environmental protections, making the crisis especially dangerous in a country already vulnerable to ecological disruptions.

While neither the African Union nor the United Nations has yet issued a strong public declaration, history indicates they will push all parties toward dialogue and restraint in past crises in Africa — such as in Mali or Sudan — regional organizations and the international community have increasingly advocated for negotiated solutions, the restoration of democratic governance, and the prevention of violent conflict.

What It Means for Malagasy People

For the average citizen, the dissolution ushers in a turbulent era of uncertainty. Key questions now affect daily life:

• Will snap elections be held quickly — or will this power shift drag on?

• Could violence flare if opposition forces and security services clash?

• How will public services fare as governance mechanisms are disrupted?

The gamble Rajoelina has taken could either strengthen his hold on power — if he succeeds in regaining legitimacy — or cause backlash that fractures the country's fragile unity.

Many citizens watched the announcement with anxiety, fear, hope, or a combination of all three. Some saw it as the silencing of democracy; others as a bold reset amid stagnation and dysfunction.

Looking Forward: What to Watch

As events unfold, three flashpoints may define the next chapter:

1. Constitutional legitimacy — Legal scholars and courts will likely be asked to determine if Rajoelina’s decree is lawful under Madagascar’s laws.

2. The military role and order — determining which side the security forces support: loyal to the president, responsive to the legislature, or divided — could decide whether this remains a political drama or turns into a confrontation.

3. International Pressure & Mediation — Whether regional organizations, neighboring countries, or global institutions intervene with mediation or sanctions can affect how the crisis is resolved.

For now, the world observes Madagascar in a fragile state — caught between political change and institutional breakdown.

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