Madagascar’s New Leader Appoints Civilian Prime Minister After Military Takeover

Madagascar’s new leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, appointed Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as prime minister after ousting President Andry Rajoelina. Randrianirina promised reforms, elections, and a civilian government, denying a coup. Rajoelina fled to Réunion and then to Dubai.

Madagascar’s new head of state has appointed a civilian prime minister, a move aimed at restoring stability following the recent military takeover that forced former President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country. The decision comes amid ongoing uncertainty in the Indian Ocean island nation, which has been gripped by weeks of protests, political tension, and widespread anger over poor governance and chronic power shortages.

Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led the coup that removed Rajoelina from office, announced last Tuesday that the military had taken control after the former president was impeached for desertion of duty. Following his declaration, Randrianirina was sworn in as the country’s transitional president on Friday. In his address to the nation, he pledged to bring sweeping changes to Madagascar’s political system and promised that the transition would culminate in fresh democratic elections.

Randrianirina acknowledged that the public’s frustrations over prolonged electricity outages had triggered the recent demonstrations, which quickly escalated into a mass movement calling for Rajoelina’s resignation. Many citizens took to the streets of Antananarivo, the capital, accusing the former administration of neglecting the needs of ordinary people and mismanaging the country’s resources.

After consultations with the National Assembly, Randrianirina named Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the new prime minister on Monday. Rajaonarivelo, a well-known figure in Madagascar’s private sector and former chairperson of the Malagasy bank BNI, is seen as someone who could help rebuild confidence both at home and abroad. Randrianirina said the appointment was carefully considered and based on Rajaonarivelo’s proven expertise and international connections.

He described the new prime minister as a leader with “the skills, the experience, and the relationships with international organisations and other countries that will collaborate with Madagascar.” The president added that the new administration would be inclusive and open to working with “all the driving forces of the nation,” including civil society, political actors, and the business community.

Randrianirina also sought to distance himself from accusations that the military had orchestrated a coup, insisting that his actions were constitutional and necessary to protect national interests. He emphasized that the appointment of the prime minister was conducted “in strict accordance with the Constitution,” portraying the transition as a lawful and measured response to political instability.

Before taking power, Randrianirina had commanded the CAPSAT army unit, which played a pivotal role in the recent uprising. On October 11, his unit mutinied and joined the civilian demonstrators in Antananarivo, a move that significantly weakened Rajoelina’s grip on power. That defection proved to be a crucial turning point, accelerating the collapse of the former government.

As the situation intensified, Rajoelina reportedly fled Madagascar to avoid further unrest. Media outlets reported that the ousted president was evacuated on Sunday aboard a French military aircraft to the French island of Réunion, from where he later travelled to Dubai. His departure signaled the end of his tumultuous rule and opened the way for a new phase of political transition in Madagascar.

Observers say the coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether Randrianirina’s promises of reform and civilian governance can calm tensions and restore public trust. Many citizens remain hopeful but cautious, wary of yet another power struggle in a country that has experienced several political crises in recent decades.