The African Union (AU), the continental organization, has announced the suspension of the Republic of Madagascar after an elite army unit seized power in a coup that followed the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf confirmed the decision in a statement to AFP, saying the suspension takes effect “with immediate effect.” The move comes shortly after Madagascar’s top court confirmed Colonel Michael Randrianirina as the country’s new leader, a development that has plunged the Indian Ocean nation into fresh political turmoil.
Why It Matters
At an urgent session of the AU Peace & Security Council, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission expressed deep concern over developments in Madagascar.
The AU utterly rejected any unconstitutional change of government and called on all Malagasy actors—civil, military, and political—to show restraint and pursue dialogue within the constitutional framework.
The AU underscored the fact that it stands ready, in coordination with the Southern African Development Council (SADC) and the Indian Ocean Commission, to support a peaceful, inclusive, and African-led solution to the crisis.
Mahmoud Youssouf, earlier, followed developments with deep concern about the political and security developments in Madagascar, marked by movements within the army and popular demonstrations in Antananarivo.
The AU suggested the government renew commitment to dialogue and urged all Malagasy stakeholders, both civilian and military, to exercise calm and restraint and to prioritize peaceful and consensual solutions to the current situation. It further called for the full respect of the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens.
The Principles of the Lomé Declaration
The Chairperson recalled the principles enshrined in the Lomé Declaration of 2000 and in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance. This required all the Malagasy parties to demonstrate responsibility and patriotism and to work towards the preservation of unity, stability, and peace in the country, in full respect of the Constitution and established institutional frameworks.
The Chairperson reaffirmed the solidarity of the African Union (AU) with the people and Government of Madagascar in these difficult times and expressed the readiness of the continental organization to support national and regional efforts aimed at a rapid return to institutional normalcy, stability, and the consolidation of peace.
