• Madagascar’s president dissolves parliament ahead of impeachment vote

• Move follows protests, military unrest, and alleged coup threats

• IMF warns political crisis may further weaken fragile economy

Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, dissolved the National Assembly after weeks of political and social unrest.

The decree, posted on the presidency’s official social media accounts, cited Article 60 of the Constitution and a 1962 ordinance, allowing it to take effect immediately without prior publication in the official gazette.

The move came a day before a scheduled parliamentary vote that could have impeached Rajoelina for dereliction of duty. In a statement on Monday, the president said he had moved to a secure location to protect his life and avoid deadly clashes among citizens. He added that he had been warned as early as Sept. 25 of a “coup attempt” and “assassination” plots against him.

Madagascar has been shaken by weeks of mass protests triggered by water and electricity shortages, later intensified by mutinies within several military units. The unrest led to the dissolution of the government and the appointment of General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as prime minister on Oct. 6.

The country’s economy remains fragile. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in September that Madagascar was under fiscal pressure, with slower revenue collection and continued difficulties in the mining sector. Inflation was “declining but still high,” reaching 7.9% in July.

Growth prospects, already revised downward, could weaken further amid the political turmoil. The IMF projects GDP growth of 4% in 2025, down from an earlier forecast of 4.6% and below the government’s 5% target.

Charlène N’dimon