Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has dismissed an opposition attempt to remove military ruler Michael Randrianirina from office, ruling that the application did not meet constitutional requirements for the removal of a head of state.

Madagascar’s top court on Thursday dismissed an opposition lawmaker’s attempt to oust the country’s military ruler, ruling that the challenge fell outside the constitution.

Prominent MP Antoine Rajerison had asked the High Constitutional Court to remove army Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who has led the country since October.

Rajerison accused him of treason for “serious and repeated violations of the constitution”, including in making appointments.

But the court said the request was “inadmissible” because it did not meet the constitutional requirements for removing a head of state.

“It is therefore irregular, and must be declared inadmissible,” the court said.

Randrianirina came to power after his predecessor, Andry Rajoelina, fled as youth-led protests over the lack of water and energy escalated.

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But the early sense of hope has since ebbed, and young Madagascans have mounted scattered protests in recent weeks over what they describe as the slow pace of reforms.

Rights groups say authorities have arrested demonstrators and used heavy-handed tactics.

A transition roadmap has promised a new constitution and a presidential election by the end of 2027.

The Indian Ocean island 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.

It is one of the world’s poorest countries, despite being the biggest vanilla producer and having a wealth of biodiversity.