Madagascar's National assembly votes to impeach departed Rajoelina

Madagascar is facing its gravest political crisis in over a decade as President Andry Rajoelina’s attempt to dissolve the National Assembly has triggered an impeachment vote, deepening unrest already fueled by weeks of anti-government protests over severe electricity and water shortages.

The lower house of parliament voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to impeach Rajoelina, with 130 lawmakers supporting the motion and only one abstention, shortly after the president announced the dissolution of the legislature by decree. The presidency denounced the vote as unconstitutional, insisting that the assembly no longer held legal authority after being dissolved. Rajoelina reportedly left the capital aboard a French military aircraft amid growing instability but maintained that he remains in charge, describing his decision to dissolve parliament as necessary “to restore order and democratic stability.” The decree paves the way for new elections within 60 days, though opposition leaders have rejected its legitimacy.

The escalating crisis follows Rajoelina’s recent appointment of army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as Prime Minister, a move seen as an effort to stabilize the situation without resigning. Zafisambo, formerly director of the military cabinet within the prime minister’s office, replaced Christian Ntsay after the president dismissed his government last week. Rajoelina said he made the appointment “with wisdom,” asserting that Madagascar needed “a leader capable of restoring order and the people’s trust.” The new premier has been tasked with addressing the country’s worsening energy and water crisis issues that have sparked nationwide protests and mounting frustration over corruption and mismanagement.

Demonstrations have spread across major cities, including the capital Antananarivo, marking the third consecutive week of anti-government unrest. Largely led by students and young activists, the protests mirror recent “Gen Z” movements seen in Kenya and Nepal, demanding accountability, reform, and an end to poverty. Security forces have used tear gas to disperse crowds, and the United Nations reports at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries since demonstrations began. The government disputes those figures but has acknowledged “isolated incidents” of violence. While Rajoelina has offered dialogue, opposition parties and civil society groups accuse him of using security forces to suppress dissent. Some groups have refused to participate in talks, demanding the release of detained protesters and guarantees for freedom of assembly.

Madagascar’s electricity and water crisis is the result of decades of neglect and underinvestment. Since the 1970s, nationalized utilities such as Jirama have suffered from corruption, inefficiency, and poor maintenance, leaving millions without reliable access to basic services. Despite its natural wealth, three-quarters of Malagasy citizens live in poverty, and repeated reform efforts have failed to modernize infrastructure or promote sustainable growth. Analysts note that the crisis reflects long-standing weaknesses in the country’s centralized governance, which has historically struggled with transparency and accountability.

Rajoelina’s decision to dissolve parliament while appointing a military prime minister underscores a shift toward a security-first approach to governance. Supporters view it as a pragmatic move to restore order, but critics warn it risks deepening public mistrust and heightening authoritarian tendencies. As protesters continue to fill the streets and divisions grow within the security forces, Madagascar stands at a precarious crossroads with the coming days likely to determine whether the nation can regain stability or slide further into political and economic turmoil.