The Digest:
Madagascar has entered a new era of military rule after an elite army unit seized power following parliament's impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina, triggering street celebrations in the capital while raising international concerns about constitutional order and democratic stability.
Key Points:
- The CAPSAT military unit announced it had taken control of the government
- Parliament voted 130-0 to impeach President Rajoelina for "desertion of duty"
- The constitutional court validated both the impeachment and the military authority
- President Rajoelina remains in hiding, reportedly outside the country
- Street celebrations erupted in Antananarivo as military vehicles paraded
- The crisis began with protests over power and water shortages in September
- At least 22 demonstrators were killed during the unrest, according to UN estimates
- International bodies, including the AU and UN, expressed concern about the takeover
Sources: Punch Newspaper
