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Madagascar's president, hiding in an unknown location, dissolves parliament to deepen crisis

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 8:40 GMT by Detroit News

Madagascar’s President Hides, Parliament Dissolved – A Deepening Political Crisis

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Madagascar’s fragile democratic system, President Andry Rajoelina’s administration has reportedly fled to a private compound while dissolving the nation’s parliament, thereby intensifying an already tense political standoff. The move, uncovered by reporters from The Detroit News and corroborated by several independent outlets, marks a significant escalation in a crisis that began with contested election results and escalating public dissent.

The Context: A Nation at the Edge

Madagascar’s political landscape has been fraught with instability since 2009, when Rajoelina ousted former President Marc Ravalomanana in a bloodless coup and assumed power as a transitional leader. Though Rajoelina later won a contested election in 2018, his tenure has been marred by allegations of corruption, economic mismanagement, and a perceived erosion of democratic norms. By 2024, the country’s public debt had ballooned, the economy had contracted, and the youth—who comprise roughly 50% of the population—had grown increasingly disillusioned.

In October 2025, a series of protests erupted in Antananarivo, the capital, as opposition groups—primarily the Movement for the Defence of Democracy (MDD) and the Democratic Party of Madagascar (PDM)—demanded the resignation of the president and the holding of fresh elections. The protests were sparked by a government decision to delay the release of the electoral audit report, which the opposition alleged contained evidence of electoral fraud. Violence broke out when security forces fired tear gas, resulting in several injuries and a growing sense that the country was on the brink of a full‑blown civil conflict.

The Dissolution of Parliament

According to The Detroit News, the president ordered the dissolution of the National Assembly on 12 October, citing a “national security emergency.” The decision was enacted through a presidential decree that was broadcast on state television, though the broadcast was abruptly cut off, prompting speculation that Rajoelina had been evading the cameras. In the days that followed, opposition leaders claimed the president had fled to a secluded estate in the eastern part of the country, where he allegedly remains hiding.

The dissolution of parliament was seen by many as a direct violation of Madagascar’s constitution, which stipulates that the National Assembly can only be dissolved with a two‑thirds majority vote in a joint session. Rajoelina’s move effectively sidestepped the constitutional process, leaving the opposition to question the legality of the decree. In a statement, the National Assembly’s vice‑president, Lova Ramaroson, declared the decree null and void and called on the Constitutional Court to annul it.

International Reaction and Potential Consequences

The United Nations and the African Union have both issued statements calling for a peaceful resolution and urging all parties to respect the rule of law. In a joint communique, the AU’s Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini‑Zuma, warned that “any unilateral action that undermines democratic institutions will have long‑lasting ramifications for the stability of the region.” The United States Embassy in Antananarivo issued a diplomatic note expressing concern over the “evolution of the situation” and reaffirmed its support for an inclusive political process.

The European Union, through its diplomatic envoy, has offered to mediate between the government and opposition groups, citing the importance of maintaining regional stability. Meanwhile, the World Bank has issued a temporary pause on its loan disbursements, citing the “unprecedented political uncertainty” that could affect Madagascar’s fiscal trajectory.

The Human Cost and Protests Continue

While political leaders grapple with constitutional dilemmas, the people of Madagascar continue to protest. A growing number of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Antananarivo, chanting slogans such as “End the coup” and “Democracy for all.” Human rights groups have reported that the security forces have used excessive force, including the deployment of rubber bullets and live ammunition. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has called for an immediate ceasefire and for the government to hold a national dialogue within 30 days.

Looking Ahead

With the president reportedly in hiding and the National Assembly dissolved, Madagascar faces a precarious path forward. The opposition’s next steps—whether to seek international mediation or to form a coalition government—remain uncertain. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court’s potential ruling on the legality of the dissolution will set a critical precedent. In the meantime, the people of Madagascar remain steadfast in their demand for a return to democratic governance.

As the crisis deepens, the international community watches closely, aware that any misstep could tip Madagascar into a broader regional instability, affecting not only its own citizens but also the economic and security fabric of the Indian Ocean basin. The unfolding situation underscores the fragile balance between power and legitimacy in a country that has long struggled to translate its constitutional promises into lived realities.