Coup: African Union suspends Madagascar

The African Union (AU) has suspended Madagascar following the military coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina from power.

The suspension was confirmed on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, by an AU spokesperson who told Reuters that the decision took immediate effect, pending the restoration of constitutional order in the country.

Madagascar’s new military ruler, Michael Randrianirina, announced that he would soon be sworn in as the country’s interim president, following the weekend’s upheaval that forced Rajoelina to flee abroad.

The ousted president has denounced the coup and refused to formally resign, despite mounting pressure from widespread pro-democracy protests led largely by Gen Z demonstrators and growing defections within the military.

At a meeting of the continental bloc earlier on Wednesday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf condemned the coup and reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to democratic governance.

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

President Rajoelina: Why I fled Madagascar

The AU’s suspension of Madagascar, a 55-member bloc decision, carries significant political implications, likely isolating the country’s new military leadership from continental affairs and international partnerships.

Randrianirina, a former commander of the elite CAPSAT army unit, announced that a transitional committee led by the military would govern alongside a caretaker administration for up to two years before organising fresh elections.

The general previously played a pivotal role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power. However, he broke ranks with him last week after urging soldiers not to open fire on protesters.

Rajoelina, once celebrated as the world’s youngest head of state at 34 following the 2009 takeover, came to power promising reforms, improved living standards, and a crackdown on corruption — pledges he failed to deliver.

The Star