AU deploys high-level delegation to Madagascar after coup
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The African Union Commission (AUC) is immediately deploying a high-level delegation to Madagascar to “facilitate a peaceful return to constitutional democratic order” following last Tuesday's coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina.
A press release by the Communications Department of the African Union (AU) said in coordination with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the AUC will also dispatch members of the Panel of the Wise and a Special Envoy to Antananarivo in the coming days.
These actions follow decisions adopted by the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) meetings held on 14 and 15 October 2025 on the situation in Madagascar.
It said the Chairperson of the AUC, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, underscored the urgency of concerted diplomatic efforts to “promote genuine and constructive dialogue” among Malagasy stakeholders, including the authorities, political parties, civil society, youth representatives, and other actors, with a view to facilitating a peaceful return to constitutional democratic order.
The actions are under the good offices of the Chairperson of the African Union, Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the press release said.
“These AU-led diplomatic engagements are aimed at supporting the launch of an inclusive, Malagasy-owned, and civilian-led national dialogue and consultations conducive to restoring stability, strengthening social cohesion, and upholding constitutional governance,” the press release said.
The Chairperson of the AUC reaffirmed the African Union’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Madagascar in their “legitimate aspirations for good governance, democracy, sustainable development, and prosperity”.
He also called upon all Malagasy stakeholders to engage, “in good faith, in a spirit of compromise and national unity”, towards a peaceful and consensual resolution of the current political situation.
Meanwhile, Madagascar media have reported that the leader of the National Transitional Defence Council (CNDT), Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, would be sworn in on Friday.
The AU suspended Madagascar from its institutions on Wednesday “with immediate effect”.
The UN has also condemned Madagascar’s military takeover, calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order.
“The Secretary-General condemns the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar and calls for the return to constitutional order and the rule of law,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement on Thursday.
He added that the UN stood ready to support national efforts “towards the attainment of that goal” in collaboration with regional partners including the AU and SADC.
The Secretary-General also encouraged all Malagasy stakeholders, including the youth, to work together to address the underlying causes of instability in the country, which has experienced recurring political crises over the past two decades.
After several weeks of popular protests, the military seized power on 14 October, shortly after the National Assembly deposed President Rajoelina, who had reportedly fled the country. The military has promised elections within two years.
The protest movement by the Gen Z, which began on 25 September in the capital Antananarivo, initially denounced the constant water and electricity cuts and, more broadly, the cost of living, unemployment and corruption. The protesters then demanded the resignation of President Rajoelina.
Madagascar's High Constitutional Court on Tuesday entrusted the functions of President to Colonel Randrianirina, leader of the elite military unit, Army Administration and Services Corps (CAPSAT), that announced the takeover of the government earlier in the day.
The constitutional court said that it had noted a power vacuum in the country with vacancies in the office of the president and senate.
But the presidency denounced all developments overthrowing him saying he was still in office, although he had left the country.
In late September, UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressed shock at the security forces' violent response to the protests, reporting at least 22 people killed and more than 100 injured. These figures were later denied by the head of state.
-0- PANA MA 17Oct2025
