Madagascar’s top constitutional authority has rejected a legal move aimed at removing the country’s military leader, ruling that the petition did not meet the required legal standards under the constitution.
The case was filed by opposition lawmaker Antoine Rajerison, who had urged the High Constitutional Court to dismiss Colonel Michael Randrianirina from office. Randrianirina has been in charge of the country since October following a period of political unrest.
In his petition, Rajerison accused the military ruler of treason and alleged repeated breaches of constitutional provisions, including controversial appointments made under his leadership.
However, the court ruled the application inadmissible, stating that it failed to satisfy the constitutional criteria needed to initiate the removal of a head of state. It added that the request could not proceed under existing legal provisions.
Randrianirina assumed power after former president Andry Rajoelina left the country amid escalating youth led protests triggered by widespread frustration over shortages of basic services such as water and electricity.
Since the transition, public sentiment has shifted, with some young citizens returning to the streets in recent weeks to protest what they describe as slow progress on promised reforms. Human rights organisations have also raised concerns, alleging that security forces have carried out arrests and used force in handling demonstrations.
The transitional administration has outlined plans for a new constitution and has pledged to hold presidential elections before the end of 2027 as part of its roadmap back to civilian rule.
Madagascar, an Indian Ocean island nation, has experienced repeated cycles of political instability over the years and is among a group of former French colonies in Africa that have seen military takeovers since 2020, alongside countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Despite its natural wealth and status as the world’s largest producer of vanilla, as well as its rich biodiversity, the country continues to face deep economic challenges and remains one of the poorest nations globally.
