AU Dispatches High-Level Delegation to Madagascar Following Coup
Addis Ababa – Sudanhorizon
The African Union Commission has sent a high-level delegation to Madagascar to facilitate the peaceful return to constitutional democracy following what it called the coup that took place last Tuesday ousted President Andry Rajoelina.
The Pan-African News Agency (PANA) reported, citing a press release from the African Union Communications Department, that in coordination with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union Commission will also send members of the Panel of the Wise and a Special Envoy to Antananarivo in the coming days.
These measures follow the decisions taken by the African Union Peace and Security Council at its meetings held on October 14 and 15, 2025, regarding the situation in Madagascar.
The statement noted that the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, emphasized the need for concerted diplomatic efforts to promote a genuine and constructive dialogue among Malagasy stakeholders, including the authorities, political parties, civil society, youth representatives, and other actors, with the aim of facilitating a peaceful return to constitutional democracy.
The press release stated that these measures are part of the good offices of the Chairperson of the African Union, Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço.
The statement added that these AU-led diplomatic initiatives aim to support the launch of inclusive, civilian-led national dialogue and consultations that will contribute to restoring stability, strengthening social cohesion, and supporting constitutional governance.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission affirmed the AU’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Madagascar in their “legitimate aspirations for good governance, democracy, sustainable development, and prosperity.”
He also called on all stakeholders in Madagascar to engage “in good faith, and in a spirit of compromise and national unity,” to reach a peaceful and consensual solution to the current political situation.
Meanwhile, Malagasy media reported that Colonel Michel Randrianirina, head of the Transitional National Defense Council, will be sworn in on Friday.
The African Union suspended Madagascar’s membership in its institutions on Wednesday “with immediate effect.”
The United Nations also condemned the military’s seizure of power in Madagascar, calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order.
After weeks of popular protests, the military seized power on October 14, shortly after Madagascar’s National Assembly impeached President Rajoelina, who has reportedly fled the country. The military promised to hold elections within two years.
The Generation Z-led protest movement began on September 25 in the capital, Antananarivo, initially denouncing persistent water and electricity outages and, more broadly, the cost of living, unemployment, and corruption. Protesters then demanded President Rajoelina’s resignation.
Madagascar’s Supreme Constitutional Court on Tuesday entrusted Colonel Randrianirina, commander of the elite military unit, the Army Administration and Services Corps (CAPSAT), with the presidency. He had announced a government takeover earlier in the day.
The Constitutional Court said it had observed a power vacuum in the country, with both the presidential and senate positions vacant.
However, the president denounced the moves that ousted him, asserting that he remained in office despite having left the country.
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