Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the military leader behind Madagascar’s recent coup, announced that he will soon be sworn in as president of the island nation following the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina. The move comes after Rajoelina fled abroad over the weekend amid widespread youth-led protests demanding his resignation and defections within the security forces.
Randrianirina told citizens that the military has assumed control, dissolving all government institutions except the National Assembly, which will remain operational. The High Constitutional Court has invited him to serve as president, and he indicated that a committee led by the military will oversee the country for up to two years, working alongside a transitional government before new elections are organized.
Background and Context
Randrianirina, 51, commanded the elite CAPSAT army unit and played a key role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power. However, last week he broke ranks with Rajoelina, urging soldiers not to suppress protesters. Rajoelina, the former DJ who became the world’s youngest head of state at 34 in 2009, is currently believed to be in Dubai after fleeing Madagascar on a French military plane.
The recent takeover reflects deep political and social unrest in Madagascar, where three-quarters of the 30 million population live in poverty and youth frustrations over failing infrastructure and widespread corruption have surged. Alongside CAPSAT, the paramilitary gendarmerie and police have also withdrawn support for Rajoelina, leaving him politically isolated.
Randrianirina’s transitional government promises to stabilize the country while preparing for future elections, but analysts warn that Madagascar faces significant economic and governance challenges, given declining GDP per capita and ongoing social unrest.
