September 18, 2026

Madagascar president dissolves national assembly, escalating crisis

A decree posted on Facebook said the president had consulted with the leaders of the assembly and the Senate

Madagascar president dissolves national assembly, escalating crisis
Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina, gestures as he appoints military general Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as Prime Minister at the Lavoloha Presidential Palace, following government dissolution amid protests over power and water shortages, in Antananarivo, Madagascar October 6, 2025. REUTERS

bdnews24.com

Reuters

Published : 14 Oct 2025, 09:24 PM

Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 02:35 PM

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina said on Tuesday he had dissolved the national assembly, escalating a standoff with youth-led protesters and the military which forced him to flee the country.

A decree posted on Facebook said the president had consulted with the leaders of the assembly and the Senate, but it was not immediately clear if the move had legal value.

In a defiant address to the nation from an undisclosed location on Monday, Rajoelina refused to step down despite pressure from weeks of Gen Z protests demanding his resignation and widespread defections in the army.

The opposition has been trying to gather enough signatures to launch impeachment proceedings against him in parliament.

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