Antananarivo (Kaab TV) – Col Michael Randrianirina, who was once in jail, has been sworn in as the new president of Madagascar, just days after a military takeover in the Indian Ocean nation.
Swapping his military fatigues for a suit, Randrianirina thanked the young people who led weeks of street protests that forced President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country and ultimately led to his impeachment.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Constitutional Court in the capital, Antananarivo, where large crowds gathered — including many of the demonstrators who had spearheaded the protests.
“Today marks a historic turning point for our country. With a people in full fervour, driven by the desire for change, we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation,” Randrianirina declared.
Madagascar now enters a transitional period expected to be filled with political and legal uncertainty, though there is cautious optimism surrounding Randrianirina’s leadership.
Constitutional Court president Florent Rakotoarisoa criticised the international community for describing the recent events as a coup.
He insisted that no constitutional violation had taken place, instead blaming flaws in the constitution for the crisis.
Protesters had initially hoped Rajoelina would resign and allow a peaceful, democratic transition. Instead, he clung to power, dissolved his government, and launched a series of national dialogues — efforts that failed to quell the growing unrest.
The demonstrations, which began last month, were organised by a youth movement known as Gen Z Mada, frustrated by chronic power cuts and water shortages.
At the time, Col Randrianirina was the commander of Madagascar’s elite CAPSAT army unit. On Tuesday, his troops joined thousands of protesters on the streets of Antananarivo. He then told demonstrators that the military would assume control of the government and organise elections within two years.
Pro-democracy advocates, both inside and outside the country, are now watching closely to see if that promise will be fulfilled.
According to Reuters, trumpets blared at the Constitutional Court ceremony as Randrianirina took the oath of office, pledging to “dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity and human rights.”
Wearing the presidential sash and star of office, he reaffirmed his commitment to reform.
“We will work hand in hand with all the driving forces of the nation to draft a new constitution,” he said, adding that electoral reforms would be introduced before a new vote is held.
“We are committed to breaking with the past. Our main mission is to thoroughly reform the country’s administrative, socio-economic, and political systems of governance.”
After the ceremony, Randrianirina spoke to reporters outside the court, outlining his immediate priorities. His first action, he said, would be an investigation into the state-owned water and electricity company, Jirama.
“Today and tomorrow, we will examine what is happening at Jirama and what problems exist. This review aims to prevent further difficulties in the future. That is our first social priority,” he said.
He added that his second focus would be improving rice farming as the planting season begins, followed by the appointment of a prime minister and the formation of a new government.
Like other former French colonies that have experienced coups in recent years, Madagascar may see a shift in its foreign relations under Randrianirina’s leadership, with speculation that the country could seek warmer ties with Russia while cooling relations with France.
Who Is Col Michael Randrianirina?
Col Michael Randrianirina remains a relatively obscure figure despite his rise to the presidency and his position at the helm of Madagascar’s most powerful military unit.
Born in 1974 in Sevohipoty, a village in the southern Androy region, he served as governor of Androy between 2016 and 2018 under then-President Hery Rajaonarimampianina.
He later commanded an infantry battalion in the southwestern city of Toliara, a position he held until 2022.
A vocal critic of Rajoelina — the entrepreneur-turned-politician who first seized power in a 2009 coup before returning through elections in 2018 — Randrianirina was arrested in November 2023.
He was detained without trial in a maximum-security prison, accused of inciting a mutiny and plotting a coup.
His imprisonment sparked protests by student groups, fellow soldiers, and politicians who claimed he had been targeted for political reasons. He was released in February 2024.