Madagascar

Madagascar military leader disbands cabinet in sudden political shift

The decision comes months after Randrianirina assumed power in October following the removal of Andry Rajoelina. The military takeover came after weeks of protests that spread across the country, largely organised by young activists frustrated with ongoing shortages of electricity and water.

Cyclone Gezani kills 31, leaves Toamasina in crisis

Cyclone Gezani hit Toamasina, Madagascar’s second-largest city, with winds reaching 250 kilometres per hour.

Ex-Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina stripped of citizenship

Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo cited local laws stipulating that individuals who hold foreign citizenship automatically lose their Malagasy nationality.

Colonel Randrianirina takes office as Madagascar begins transition

The former military commander formally took office at the Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, stepping in after President Andry Rajoelina fled the country and was later removed from office. Crowds, including the young activists who led the protests, attended the ceremony to witness the transfer of power.

Madagascar military takes charge as President Rajoelina flees amid protests

Madagascar, with a population of roughly 30 million and a median age under 20, struggles with poverty, with three-quarters of citizens living in hardship. Between independence in 1960 and 2020, GDP per capita fell by 45%, according to World Bank data, fueling frustration over basic needs and governance failures.

Madagascar in turmoil as President Rajoelina dissolves parliament

The decree, announced via Facebook, stated that Rajoelina had consulted the leaders of the Senate and the Assembly, though the legality of the move remains unclear.

President Rajoelina says he escaped assassination plot as military division deepens

In a live Facebook broadcast to the nation on Monday night, Rajoelina, 51, claimed that “a group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me.” He did not reveal his current location, though earlier unconfirmed reports suggested he may have fled the country on a French military aircraft.

AU calls for restraint as tension escalates in Madagascar amid protests

In a statement on Sunday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the continental body is following the situation with deep concern, even as he called for dialogue among all parties to prevent further instability.

Madagascar soldiers join anti-government protesters in capital

The move came after the soldiers declared they would defy any orders to shoot at protesters, according to AFP reporters.

Madagascar security forces blame protesters for violence

The Indian Ocean island has seen near-daily rallies over alleged misgovernance and water and power cuts, with protesters clashing with security forces in the capital Antananarivo on Saturday.

UN says 22 dead as protests sweep Madagascar over power and water cuts

The Indian Ocean island nation, one of the poorest globally, has a long history of popular uprisings since independence in 1960, including the 2009 mass demonstrations that toppled then president Marc Ravalomanana.

AU calls for calm as protests turn violent in Madagascar's capital

In a statement on Sunday, September 28, 2025, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf said he is closely monitoring the developments and regretted the destruction caused by the unrest.

Madagascar imposes curfew after violent protests rock capital

Hundreds of people poured into the streets early Thursday to express their frustration with repeated blackouts that have left homes and businesses without power for more than 12 hours at a time.

South Africa wins Rugby Africa Sevens trophy, Kenya finishes fourth

South Africa's Ricardo Duarttee scored early to take a 7-0 lead. They then doubled their advantage through Mfundo Ndhlovu to make it 14-0.

Kenya Morans lose to Madagascar in Africa Sevens semis

The Morans lost 19-14 to Madagascar at the semi final stage in the 2025 edition of the Rugby Africa Sevens tournament.

2026 World Cup: Partey scores twice as Ghana downs Madagascar