By Erewunmi Peace

The African Union (AU) has suspended Madagascar from all its activities following a military takeover that ousted President Andry Rajoelina earlier this week.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the AU’s Peace and Security Council condemned the power seizure as “an unconstitutional change of government” and announced that Madagascar would remain suspended until constitutional order is restored.

“The African Union strongly rejects any attempt to seize power by force. We call on the Malagasy military authorities to immediately restore civilian rule and ensure a swift return to democratic governance,” the AU said in its communique.

The suspension follows days of political turmoil after the elite CAPSAT military unit seized control of key institutions in the capital, Antananarivo, on Monday, October 14. The coup came shortly after the parliament impeached President Rajoelina amid corruption allegations and growing public protests.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the military unit, has declared himself transitional leader. Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has confirmed him as interim president, with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Friday, October 17.

International reactions have been swift. The United Nations, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and several Western governments have expressed concern over the coup, urging respect for the rule of law and the protection of human rights.

Madagascar, an island nation off Africa’s southeastern coast, has experienced several military interventions since gaining independence in 1960. The current upheaval marks the fourth time the AU has suspended the country due to unconstitutional power transfers.

The AU said it would continue monitoring the situation and engage with regional partners to support dialogue and the restoration of constitutional order.