Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court on Thursday dismissed a high-profile opposition bid to remove the country’s current military leader.
Prominent lawmaker Antoine Rajerison had petitioned the top court to oust army Colonel Michael Randrianirina from his leadership position.
Rajerison formally accused the military ruler of treason, citing serious and repeated constitutional violations regarding recent state appointments.
The court ultimately declared the opposition request inadmissible, ruling that the legal challenge failed to meet strict constitutional requirements.
Colonel Randrianirina assumed control of the Indian Ocean island nation last October following the sudden flight of Andry Rajoelina.
Rajoelina fled the country after widespread, youth-led protests over severe water and energy shortages escalated across the territory.
Initial public optimism has rapidly faded as young Madagascans organize scattered protests against the slow pace of promised reforms.
Human rights organizations report that authorities have arrested several demonstrators and deployed heavy-handed tactics to suppress the recent unrest.
A transition roadmap currently promises a new constitution and a democratic presidential election by the end of 2027.
Madagascar joins Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in a growing list of former French colonies experiencing recent military governance.
The nation remains one of the poorest globally, despite possessing immense natural biodiversity and being the world’s top vanilla producer.