Prominent Madagascar MP calls for removal of military ruler

A Madagascar lawmaker at the forefront of protests that toppled the former president last year said Thursday he had asked a top court to remove the new leader for breaching the constitution.

The Indian Ocean island has been led by army Colonel Michael Randrianirina since October after Andry Rajoelina fled as youth-led protests over lack of water and energy escalated.

But cautious optimism for change has faded since then, and young Madagascans have led scattered protests in recent weeks over what they say is the slow pace of reforms.

Prominent opposition MP Antoine Rajerison said he submitted a petition to the High Constitutional Court on Wednesday asking it to replace Randrianirina, 52.

The document alleges the colonel was guilty of treason for "serious and repeated violations of the constitution", including in making appointments.

It also accuses him of failing to unify the country, which was "on the verge of rupture", and the security forces of arbitrary arrests and detention.

Rights groups have condemned heavy-handed tactics against the new demonstrations after several people were arrested on charges of undermining state security.

Madagascar has endured repeated political upheavals and is the latest former French colony in Africa to come under military rule since 2020, following coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

The vast island off the east coast of southern Africa is one of the world's poorest countries, despite being the biggest vanilla producer and having a wealth of biodiversity.