Randrianirina tightens military rule in Madagascar after one year
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Amnesty International
One year after Colonel Michael Randrianirina came to power, Madagascar is still facing water and electricity shortages, corruption and repression of opponents. Amnesty International says the military government is using institutions and the law to restrict civil liberties and avoid accountability.
One year after Colonel Michael Randrianirina’s coup, Amnesty International says Madagascar’s military government has consolidated its grip and expanded authoritarian practices. The organisation says chronic water and electricity shortages and corruption, which fuelled Gen Z protests, remain unresolved.
According to Amnesty International, the government is using judicial institutions and public security laws to target opponents and critics. The organisation reports illegal searches, arbitrary detention and prolonged pre-trial detention, carried out in particular under the guise of combating corruption. It says at least 20 people remain detained for political reasons, including former presidential candidates Sylvain Rabetsaroana and Paul Rabary Andrianirina, while dozens of others have been forced into exile.
The organisation also accuses the authorities of restricting civic space by equating freedom of association with criminal conspiracy and seeking powers for mass online surveillance. This first year in power follows the seizure of power by Michael Randrianirina, which was associated with a promise of elections in 2027, and comes one year after Madagascar celebrated Freedom Day.
