Madagascar army announces suspension of constitution after parliament votes to impeach president

By Mevlut Ozkan and Sandra Rabearisoa

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar / ISTANBUL (AA) - Madagascar's Army Personnel Administration Center (CAPSAT), a military unit, announced on Tuesday that it suspended the Constitution and seized power after the parliament adopted a motion to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, according to an Anadolu correspondent.

Earlier in the day, Rajoelina dissolved parliament following weeks of anti-government protests across the country, saying it was necessary to restore order and make room for the youth.

However, the parliament convened and passed a motion to impeach the president.

Since Sept. 25, he has faced youth-led protests over severe water and electricity shortages, as well as allegations of corruption, which have quickly escalated into calls for his resignation.

The unrest prompted government reorganizations, including the dissolution of the Cabinet and the appointment of a new prime minister and security chiefs.

Rajoelina said on Monday that he was sheltering in a "safe space" after an “attempt on his life,” as he was reported to have been evacuated to France on a military plane after "a deal" with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron declined to confirm whether the island nation’s embattled leader was evacuated by its former colonial ruler, telling reporters in Egypt that "I just wish to express our great concern.”

On Saturday, the CAPSAT, a military unit instrumental in Rajoelina's rise to power through a 2009 coup, declared its support for the protests.

On Sunday, the unit installed a new military chief, hours after Rajoelina denounced its support for the protests as “an attempt to seize power illegally.”