Madagascar military seizes power after president flees

Madagascar's military has taken control of the country after President Andry Rajoelina fled abroad. The political crisis deepened when Rajoelina dissolved parliament via Facebook on Tuesday.

President Rajoelina left the country on Monday amid widespread protests against his leadership. His current location remains unknown.

Just hours after Rajoelina dissolved parliament remotely, lawmakers voted to impeach him for deserting his duties. They accused him of abandoning his presidential responsibilities.

Military leader Michael Randrianirina then announced his elite Capsat unit had seized power. He said the military took control following the political turmoil.

This marks another military intervention in Madagascar's troubled political history. The country has experienced multiple coups since gaining independence from France in 1960.

Why did parliament move to impeach Rajoelina while he was dissolving them? The contradictory actions created a power vacuum that enabled the military takeover.

The situation remains fluid as Madagascar faces another period of political uncertainty. International observers are monitoring developments closely.