The African Union has responded to the overthrow of power in Madagascar. The day after Colonel Michael Randrianirina seized power, the pan-African organization suspended Madagascar from all its institutions on Wednesday, October 15.
Less than twenty-four hours after the military seized power under Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the African Union decided to impose sanctions on Madagascar. On Wednesday, October 15, the Peace and Security Council of the pan-African organization held an emergency meeting in Addis Ababa, condemning the coup d'état that took place the previous day.

“The impact of this decision, first of all, is the sanctions against Madagascar and all that, meaning not joining for the moment, stopping Madagascar's integration into both organizations. And this also opens up, it should be noted, other demonstrations later, by other organizations that will follow in the footsteps of the African Union and the SADC.”

Serge IMBEH, Political Analyst – Madagascar

On October 14, 2025, a faction of the armed forces seized power in Antananarivo, after several weeks of tensions and protests against the current regime. The army's seizure of power came after the exfiltration of President Andry Rajoelina with the help of France; and a vote of impeachment by the National Assembly, which the president had dissolved a few hours earlier. Faced with this situation, the African Union decided to suspend Madagascar from all its institutions, demanding a return to constitutional order and the rapid establishment of a civilian transition.

“The positive effect is that we are changing, changing the system, changing the mode of governance, changing the methods of running this country, and changing the system itself at the heart of corruption, favoritism, and conflicts of interest. And that's the positive aspect, the collective awakening of young people saying, 'Enough is enough, we have to rebuild Madagascar.' Of course, the positive aspect is that there are always sacrifices. The negative aspect is the international sanctions that are being imposed. The African Union, as we said earlier, the SADC said earlier, and I'm sure that within a few days, within a few hours, there will also be sanctions from the European Union, the United States, and every other international organization."

Serge IMBEH, Political Analyst – Madagascar

During the night of Wednesday to Thursday, October 16, ousted President Andry Rajoelina confirmed his flight abroad. Launched by the "Gen Z" movement to protest water and electricity cuts, the demonstrations that led to the ouster of President Rajoelina have turned into a challenge to the political leaders in power. The ensuing crackdown, before the military supported the protesters, left at least 22 dead and more than 100 injured.

Sources: https://africa24tv.com/