(MENAFN) African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has voiced serious alarm over the mounting unrest in Madagascar, urging all parties to pursue dialogue and restraint to halt the ongoing turmoil.

During an emergency meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council, Youssouf emphasized the organization’s strong opposition to any unconstitutional government takeover. “The AU firmly rejects any unconstitutional change of government,” he declared, calling on all Malagasy stakeholders—civilian, military, and political—to act with restraint and engage within the country’s constitutional framework.

Youssouf also underscored the AU’s readiness to collaborate with the Southern African Development Community and the Indian Ocean Commission to back an African-led, inclusive, and peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The protests began in late September, initially sparked by severe power cuts and water shortages. However, the demonstrations have rapidly escalated into a political movement demanding government reform and leadership change.

In a statement issued Sunday, the Malagasy Presidency warned of “an attempt to seize power illegally and by force” and appealed to all national forces to “rally together to defend the constitutional order and national sovereignty.”

On Monday, President Andry Rajoelina announced via a social media video that he had moved to a “safe location” following an assassination attempt against him, highlighting the precarious security situation.

The situation remains volatile, with urgent calls from the African Union and regional bodies for a peaceful, constitutional solution to Madagascar’s deepening crisis.

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