ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (BN24) — In a dramatic power shift, Colonel Michael Randrianirina was officially sworn in as the new president of Madagascar on Friday, following a swift military coup that saw the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina. Randrianirina, a commander of the elite CAPSAT military unit, took the oath of office at the High Constitutional Court before the country’s nine justices, marking the culmination of just a few days of tense developments.
Randrianirina’s rise to power came a mere three days after he declared the military’s takeover of the nation. The coup followed weeks of growing unrest, primarily among young protesters demanding greater political accountability and economic reforms. With Rajoelina now reportedly in hiding abroad, fleeing on a French military plane after claims of threats to his life, the country faces an uncertain future.
The United Nations swiftly condemned the military coup as a violation of constitutional norms, calling for the restoration of lawful governance. However, international reactions have been muted, with little intervention from Madagascar’s former colonial power, France. The African Union has suspended Madagascar’s membership in response to the coup, further isolating the island nation from the broader international community.
Randrianirina’s sudden elevation to the presidency follows a wave of anti-government protests that engulfed the country. The protests, largely driven by young people disillusioned with chronic power outages, high living costs, and widespread corruption, led to calls for Rajoelina’s resignation. The 49-year-old colonel, who has only recently emerged as a public figure, capitalized on the popular discontent, aligning himself with the protesters before making his dramatic move.
A former mutineer who spent time in detention in 2023 for an attempted coup, Randrianirina appeared at his swearing-in ceremony dressed in a sharp suit, a stark contrast to his military fatigues. Despite his military background, his supporters have praised him as a beacon of change in a nation plagued by poverty and political instability. Madagascar’s economy, burdened by poverty affecting over 75% of its population, has long struggled under ineffective governance.
The political upheaval comes as Rajoelina’s government was already under scrutiny for its handling of the country’s social and economic challenges. He was impeached by Madagascar’s parliament just before the coup announcement. In his absence, Randrianirina now claims leadership, stating his intention to rule through a military council for up to two years before holding new elections.
Although his military council’s plans promise reforms, critics warn that the prolonged military rule could delay the very democratic reforms that the protests sought. Randrianirina’s pledge to address insecurity, improve social conditions, and restore the nation’s pride resonates with the younger generation that spurred the protests. However, the uncertain path forward means that many citizens may face an extended wait before they have the opportunity to elect a civilian government once again.
The ongoing standoff has seen relatively little violence, with Randrianirina’s forces being met with cheers from protesters and minimal resistance from loyalist factions. Despite the public support for his leadership, Randrianirina’s path to stabilizing the country remains fraught with challenges, including the skepticism of international bodies and the daunting task of navigating Madagascar’s history of political volatility.
Meanwhile, the international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution and the restoration of constitutional order. UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his condemnation of the military takeover, calling for Madagascar to return to democratic rule. With tensions still high, the world watches closely as the island nation embarks on a new and uncertain chapter under its newly sworn-in military leader.
