The African Union has suspended Madagascar following a military coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina and saw the country’s armed forces seize control.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf announced the suspension in a statement on Wednesday, declaring that “the rule of law must prevail over the rule of force.” The decision takes effect immediately.

Tensions in Madagascar had been building for weeks, driven by widespread “Gen-Z” protests over worsening water and electricity shortages. The unrest grew after President Rajoelina dismissed his entire government, a move that further fueled calls for his resignation.

As the demonstrations spread, factions of the military joined the protests, leaving the president increasingly isolated. Fearing for his safety, Rajoelina fled the country, but from an undisclosed location, he attempted to dissolve the National Assembly by decree — a move lawmakers rejected before voting to impeach him on Tuesday.

Hours later, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite CAPSAT military unit, announced that the army had taken control of the government, dissolved key state institutions, and would establish a transitional administration to manage the country’s affairs.