Fugitive Malagasy President Dissolves Parliament Amid Gen-Z Protests

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina, who reportedly fled the country amid ongoing military-backed Gen-Z protests, has announced the dissolution of the national parliament during a live broadcast on social media.

In his address, Rajoelina alleged that there had been “an attempt to assassinate me and a military coup plot” against him. He stated, “Since September 25, there have been efforts to take my life and overthrow the government. A group of army officers and politicians conspired to kill me.” The president confirmed that he left the country “for security reasons” and is currently staying in a “safe location.”

For the past several weeks, Madagascar has been gripped by widespread protests triggered by acute shortages of electricity and water, which soon escalated into an anti-government and anti-presidential movement. The demonstrators, primarily from the younger generation—especially Gen Z activists—have been demanding Rajoelina’s resignation.

Rejecting these calls, Rajoelina remarked, “There is only one solution to all these problems—respecting the current constitution. If we fail to do so, poverty will worsen. I am on a mission to find solutions.”

Just moments before the scheduled parliamentary impeachment vote against him, Rajoelina announced through a decree—broadcast live—that the National Assembly was dissolved.

In an official statement, the President’s Office declared that the dissolution of parliament would take effect “immediately upon its announcement on radio and television.”

In another social media post, the fugitive president claimed that his decision was aimed at “restoring order and strengthening democracy” in Madagascar.

However, opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko denounced the move as unconstitutional, asserting, “According to the constitution, dissolving parliament without consulting National Assembly President Justin Tokely is completely illegal.”