Antananarivo: Madagascar’s political turmoil deepened today as President Andry Rajoelina announced the dissolution of the National Assembly, a dramatic move in response to weeks of mounting youth-led protests across the island nation. The decision, communicated via a brief post on the presidency’s official social media channels, provided no explanation or details regarding the next steps for the country’s legislative process.
The announcement comes in the wake of large-scale demonstrations that began in late September, sparked by long-standing grievances over chronic power and water shortages, rising living costs, and rampant unemployment. Initially focused on service delivery failures, the protests have rapidly evolved into a broader movement demanding President Rajoelina’s resignation and comprehensive political reforms. Thousands of young Malagasy have taken to the streets in symbolic and mass gatherings, signaling a rare and widespread surge of civic activism.
Clashes between demonstrators and security forces have resulted in casualties. According to United Nations reports, at least 22 people have lost their lives and over 100 have been injured, although the government disputes these numbers. Tensions were further inflamed when soldiers from the CAPSAT unit, historically linked to Rajoelina’s 2009 rise to power, reportedly refused orders and aligned themselves with the protesters. This unprecedented act of defiance from the military underscores the fragile state of political control in Madagascar.
In a bid to quell the unrest, President Rajoelina appointed General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new prime minister earlier this month, following the dissolution of his previous government. The move, however, has been dismissed by the protest movement as insufficient, with demonstrators continuing to demand systemic reforms and the president’s resignation.
The dissolution of the National Assembly raises pressing questions about the trajectory of Madagascar’s democracy. While some analysts interpret the action as an attempt by Rajoelina to consolidate authority or respond to public discontent, it also signals an uncertain future for democratic governance on the island. The youth-led movement remains largely decentralized and without formal leadership, leaving the scope and nature of potential reforms unclear.
International observers are watching closely as Madagascar navigates this volatile political landscape. With public discontent showing no signs of abating, the country faces the twin challenges of responding to citizen demands while safeguarding institutional stability, a delicate balance that could determine the nation’s political future in the months ahead.