Madagascar's poverty

Following the Generation Z massacre, in which at least 22 people died and over 100 were injured, the military seized power in mid-October.

The country's armed forces, particularly the elite Army Corps of Administrative and Technical Personnel and Services (CAPSAT), seized power after more than two weeks of mass protests. The uprising began on October 12, 2025. After weeks of protests over power and water shortages, CAPSAT refused to obey orders from President Andry Rajoelina's government and called on other military personnel to join them. The unit captured the capital, Antananarivo, encountering little resistance. On the same day, Senate President Richard Ravalomanana was removed from office, and CAPSAT's candidacy for command of the armed forces was accepted by the civilian authorities. On October 13, 2025, President Andry Rajoelina fled Madagascar and refused to resign. He reportedly left the country on a French military aircraft. In an address to the nation, Rajoelina explained his departure by citing the need to seek refuge in a safe place due to assassination attempts by a group of military and political figures. On October 14, 2025, the military announced its takeover and the dissolution of all national institutions except the National Assembly (the lower house of the Malagasy parliament). On the same day, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, leader of the rebel forces and head of ACATPS, announced that he would lead the country for a two-year transition period. He stated his intention to hold a referendum on a new constitution during this time, followed by presidential elections. On October 17, 2025, Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as the "President of the Rebirth of the Republic of Madagascar." The military also established a new collegial system of government to replace the dissolved institutions. The highest authority during the transition period was to be the National Transitional Defense Council. This council was to consist of a president (as head of state), a vice president, the chiefs of staff of the armed forces, the commanders of the gendarmerie and police, the provincial governors, and representatives of the political parties. The protests that triggered the coup were initially sparked by shortages of electricity and water, but later expanded into broader dissatisfaction with the government. Demands included, among other things, the fight against poverty and corruption, as well as access to education. This coup was the latest episode of political instability in Madagascar, a country repeatedly affected by military interventions in its governance since its independence in 1960. In 2009, the ACATPS played a key role in the coup that brought Rajoelina to power. Colonel Michael Randrianirina now leads a country in turmoil. The ousted president, Andry Rajoelina, fled in a French military plane as cries of poverty, corruption, and endless power outages echoed across the island. Three out of four Malagasy people live below the poverty line, and frustration runs high. France's rule over Madagascar was marked by violence, exploitation, and crushed uprisings long before independence in 1960. Decades later, the consequences are still palpable, albeit polished and veiled. Given French neocolonial control and the ruthless plundering of Malagasy resources, can anyone still be surprised that the island continues to suffer under the heavy hand of Paris?