Guterres urged all parties to restore constitutional order and the rule of law following a military coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina.
In a statement released by his Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres welcomed the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council’s decision to suspend Madagascar from all AU activities until civilian governance is restored.
“The Secretary-General encourages all Malagasy stakeholders, including the youth, to work together to address the underlying causes of instability in Madagascar,” Dujarric said, adding that the UN stands ready to support efforts towards peace and democratic restoration in coordination with the AU, the Southern African Development Community and other international partners.
The suspension comes after the military, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, seized power last weekend, citing “national security concerns” and accusing President Rajoelina of abandoning his post after reportedly fleeing abroad. Parliament later impeached Rajoelina, who has since condemned the coup and vowed not to resign.
Randrianirina, who has declared himself head of state, has indicated willingness to engage with the AU to resolve the crisis. “We are open to dialogue with the AU,” he said in a televised address on Tuesday.
The military takeover follows weeks of youth-led demonstrations by so-called Gen Z protesters demanding Rajoelina’s resignation over alleged corruption and economic mismanagement. Growing defections within the security forces further weakened the President’s grip on power.
–Sherwin-Bryce Pease/ChannelAfrica–
