Madagascar’s military announced it is taking control of the country. The takeover came shortly after parliament voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, who has reportedly fled the country.
Olúfémi Táíwò, professor of Africana studies at Cornell University, said the move is another coup d’etat that Madagascar, and the African continent, does not need.
Táíwò says: “Gen-Zers in Madagascar have been on the streets of the country protesting the lack of essential services, especially water and electricity, and the negative impact on their lives for almost a month. This is a civil society uprising and its resolution should not involve the military.
“Parliament should be allowed to do its job of impeaching Rajoelina and following the constitutionally laid down processes for appointing interim leadership for the country. Military rule led to the fleeing president’s original installation before ‘civilianizing’ his rule and illegally extending it by changing the constitution a few years back.
“The African Union should condemn this coup and no country should recognize the regime.”
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