The army has dissolved institutions after President Andry Rajoelina was impeached amid mass protests and political unrest

Madagascar's army has said it has taken control of the country after President Andry Rajoelina was impeached, numerous media outlets reported on Tuesday. The announcement came amid mass protests and a deepening political crisis.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina made the statement on national radio, saying "we have taken power" and that all institutions except the lower house of parliament were being dissolved, as quoted by France24. 

The announcement came shortly after 130 lawmakers voted to impeach Rajoelina, with one blank ballot cast, according to witnesses cited by Reuters.

Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko rejected Rajoelina's earlier attempt to dissolve the National Assembly, calling it "not legally valid."

According to RFI, Rajoelina fled the southern African country under a reported deal with French President Emmanuel Macron. He later appeared in a broadcast from an undisclosed location. Rajoelina confirmed he had left the country, saying he feared for his life after the military rebellion. The leader called for dialogue and insisted that the constitution be respected, but did not yield to pressure to step down.

Madagascar has faced unrest since September 25, when protests under the 'Gen Z Madagascar' banner over power and water shortages grew into broader anger over poverty and corruption. Rajoelina had dissolved his cabinet in late September and appointed a new prime minister to ease tensions.

However, tensions spiked when elite CAPSAT soldiers joined demonstrators, who gave Rajoelina 48 hours to step down. He denounced the events as an attempted power grab and urged "national forces" to defend the constitution.