# Madagascar military-led political transition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/madagascar-military-led-political-transition
> Updated: 2026-10-15T04:57:34.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 6.

Madagascar remains in a state of political transition following the departure of former President Andry Rajoelina. The crisis, initially triggered by widespread ‘Gen Z’ protests over utility shortages such as water and electricity, reached a turning point on October 11, 2025. On that date, Colonel Michael Randrianirina and members of the CAPSAT military unit joined protesters, calling on security forces to refuse to suppress the population.

This military mutiny led to Rajoelina leaving the country via a French military aircraft on October 12, 2025. Following his departure, the military declared control, and Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as the president of the transition on October 17. Rajoelina is currently living in exile in the United Arab Emirates, where he attempts to maintain a diplomatic presence and seek support from African leaders.

In Madagascar, Rajoelina’s political camp has largely collapsed; many allies have fled into exile, while others, such as former minister Marie-Michelle Sahondrarimalala, face imprisonment. The transitional government continues to navigate judicial challenges and the pressure to organize credible elections.

As of October 2026, marking one year since the political rupture, the transitional government has begun incorporating state commemorations into its tenure. A large-scale civil-military parade was recently held in Antsohihy at the Ambalabe-Est airport to mark the anniversary of the proclamation of the First Republic. The ceremony featured a troop review by President Randrianirina and included international diplomatic presence, such as a delegation from Chad led by National Assembly President Ali Kolotou Tchaïmi.

## Claims

- The unrest that led to the change in government resulted in at least 22 deaths. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as interim head of state on October 17, 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Activists including Herizo Andriamanantena were detained on charges of endangering state security. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The new government has only implemented minor changes since taking power. (single source)
- The government has committed to organizing elections by the end of 2027. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-15: Madagascar marks First Republic anniversary amid political transition

Madagascar celebrated the anniversary of its First Republic with a major parade in Antsohihy, one year after the political departure of former President Andry Rajoelina.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madagascar-marks-first-republic-anniversary-amid-political-transition

### 2026-10-11: Madagascar marks one year since Rajoelina's exile and military transition

One year after Andry Rajoelina fled Madagascar following Gen Z protests and a military mutiny, the country remains under a transitional government led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madagascar-marks-one-year-since-rajoelinas-exile-and-military-transition

### 2026-09-27: Madagascar faces political tension one year after Rajoelina's fall

A year after protests over utility shortages ousted President Andry Rajoelina, Madagascar's Gen Z activists accuse interim leader Michael Randrianirina's government of failing to deliver promised reforms.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madagascar-political-crisis-follows-utility-shortages-and-protests

### 2026-09-25: Madagascar activists report betrayal by interim government

Madagascar's Gen Z activists, who helped install an interim military government last year, now report feeling betrayed by a lack of reform and increased government crackdowns on dissent.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madagascar-activists-report-betrayal-by-interim-government

### 2026-09-25: Madagascar commemorates first anniversary of 2025 political transition

Madagascar commemorated the first anniversary of the September 2025 political unrest with a memorial ceremony at Anosy, marking the transition of power involving Colonel Randrianirina.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madagascar-commemorates-first-anniversary-of-2025-political-transition

### 2026-09-22: Madagascar marks one year since military takeover and government collapse

A year after military intervention and Gen Z-led protests toppled Madagascar's government, the nation faces ongoing utility shortages and a slow transition toward promised 2027 elections.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madagascar-marks-one-year-since-military-takeover-and-government-collapse

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Cite as: Madagascar military-led political transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/madagascar-military-led-political-transition
