Madagascar President Dissolves Parliament Ahead of Impeachment Push, Deepening Political Crisis

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina on Tuesday dissolved the National Assembly in a bid to short-circuit an opposition-driven impeachment effort amid a fast-moving political crisis marked by youth-led protests, security-force defections, and his own flight from the country to an undisclosed location.

A presidential decree published on the presidency’s Facebook page said the move was intended to “restore order” and clear the way for snap legislative elections within roughly 60 days, though opposition figures immediately challenged its legality and said assembly leaders were not properly consulted.

The dissolution follows weeks of demonstrations over water shortages, corruption and governance, and a dramatic turn in which elements of the security forces, including elite unit CAPSAT, sided with protesters, leaving the president politically isolated.

While Rajoelina vowed not to resign and called for constitutional order from hiding, opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko rejected the decree as unlawful and urged a transition consistent with the constitution.

International actors appealed for calm and respect for democratic procedures as crowds swelled again in Antananarivo and other cities, with the country’s fragile economy and high poverty levels heightening the stakes of the standoff.

Sources: Reuters; Associated Press; BBC News.