Madagascar’s President Ousted, Military Seizes Control of Government

The downfall of the island nation’s leader follows weeks of protests by a group calling itself ‘Gen Z Madagascar.’

Protesters carry a Madagascar flag and a banner during an anti-government protest in the northern city of Antsiranana on Oct. 1, 2025. FITA/AFP via Getty Images

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina was removed from office by a vote of parliament on Oct. 14, following a youth-led rebellion and calls for his resignation.

A colonel of Madagascar’s elite armed forces said on Oct. 14 that the country’s military had taken control of the government, following weeks of protests over intermittent cuts to water supplies and electricity.