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Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina, on Tuesday dissolved the National Assembly, anticipating an opposition-led attempt to remove him from office amid the island nation’s escalating political turmoil.
Rajoelina has been facing more than two weeks of violent street protests, primarily driven by young activists outraged at the ruling class, prompting the 51-year-old president to go into hiding.
According to a statement shared on Facebook, the decree to dissolve the assembly “will take effect immediately upon its announcement via radio and/or television broadcast,” as noted by the presidency.
In a separate post on social media, Rajoelina defended his decision, claiming it was essential to “reestablish order in our country and enhance democracy.”
Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko indicated on Monday that they would proceed with a vote to impeach Rajoelina for failing to fulfil his duties, following reports that he had left the country.
Rajoelina, who previously served as the mayor of Antananarivo, stated late Monday that he was in a “secure location” after experiencing assassination attempts, though he did not disclose where he was.
The demonstrations began on September 25 and reached a critical moment over the weekend when rebellious soldiers and security personnel joined the protesters, demanding that the president and other government officials resign.
Among the dissenters was the elite CAPSAT unit, which played a significant role in the 2009 coup that initially brought Rajoelina to power.
In an effort to quell the unrest, the president dismissed his entire government last month.
Radio France Internationale reported that Rajoelina left Madagascar on a French military aircraft over the weekend, but French officials have not yet made any comments.
