African Union suspends Madagascar after military takeover

The African Union (AU) has suspended Madagascar from all its activities following the military takeover that led to the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina.

The decision came shortly after Madagascar’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday declared the presidential seat vacant and named Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite army unit CAPSAT, as the country’s new leader.

Reports indicate that President Rajoelina fled the country on Sunday after sections of the military defected to join weeks-long youth-led protests calling for political reforms and an end to economic hardship.

After claiming control of the Indian Ocean country, Randrianirina suspended all constitutional institutions, including the senate, the constitutional court, and the electoral commission.

He spared the lower house of parliament, which earlier voted to impeach the president.

Rajoelina kicked against the move, saying his purported impeachment was “null and void”.

Speaking on Wednesday at the AU peace and security council session, Mahmoud Youssouf, chairperson of the commission, said the union had an unwavering respect for constitutional order and peaceful resolution of disputes.

Youssouf condemned the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar.

“The rule of law must prevail over the rule of force. Our approach is grounded in law and dialogue,” he said.

Citing an AU spokesperson, Reuters reported that the bloc had suspended Madagascar with immediate effect.

The spokesperson reportedly failed to share further details.

Randrianirina had said the military would rule for up to two years alongside a transitional government before organising new elections.

But the constitutional court asked him to organise polls in 60 days.