Madagascar’s National Assembly has voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina on grounds of desertion of duty, deepening the country’s political crisis after weeks of anti-government protests.
The motion passed on Tuesday with 130 lawmakers voting in favour, far exceeding the two-thirds majority required in the 163-member chamber. The session, however, was dismissed by the presidency as “devoid of any legal basis.”
President Rajoelina, who has been in hiding following mounting street demonstrations, faces his biggest political challenge since returning to power in 2019. Angry protesters have accused his administration of neglecting public welfare, stifling dissent, and failing to manage economic hardship across the island nation.
The impeachment vote followed weeks of escalating unrest, during which thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Antananarivo, demanding the president’s resignation. Security forces initially attempted to suppress the protests but later mutinied, joining the demonstrators in calling for Rajoelina’s ouster.
Earlier in the day, Rajoelina tried to dissolve parliament by decree to block the impeachment session, but lawmakers defied his order and proceeded with the vote.
The High Constitutional Court will now review the resolution before it becomes official. However, the presidency insists that the process is unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Observers say the crisis has thrown Madagascar into political uncertainty, just months before a scheduled election. The impeachment adds to tensions already heightened by economic decline and allegations of government mismanagement.
Meanwhile, international partners and the African Union are closely monitoring developments, urging restraint and dialogue to avoid a complete breakdown of governance.