Madagascar’s presidency said Andry Rajoelina dissolved the National Assembly and Senate with immediate effect, escalating a fast-moving political crisis sparked by youth-led protests and a military split. The decree, posted on official channels, came as Rajoelina warned that threats to his life had forced him into hiding.

Decree And Immediate Effect

“This decree shall enter into force immediately upon its publication by radio and/or television broadcast, regardless of its inclusion in the official journal of the republic,” the president stated, as opponents moved to convene an impeachment vote. Authorities framed the dissolution as a reset to restore order after weeks of unrest, while demonstrations in Antananarivo continued to gather momentum.

Evacuation And Security Claims

Rajoelina said Monday night that his life was in danger after an army faction sided with demonstrators, prompting him to seek refuge; a broadcast report said he was evacuated with French military assistance, which Paris declined to confirm. The presidency had already dismissed the government and installed an army general as prime minister as part of crisis management.

Legal Dispute And Next Steps

Opposition leaders argued the order to dissolve the assembly lacked a legal basis, setting up a constitutional showdown over presidential powers and parliamentary prerogatives. Madagascar’s basic law outlines conditions for dissolving the assembly and procedures around incapacity or vacancy, but interpretations now diverge as both sides claim the mantle of legality.