Colonel Michael Randrianirina has officially assumed office as Madagascar’s new president, days after the military seized power in the Indian Ocean nation.
At a ceremony held at the Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, Col Randrianirina exchanged his military uniform for a formal suit and expressed gratitude to the country’s youth, particularly the Generation Z movement, whose weeks of demonstrations led to the downfall of former President Andry Rajoelina.
“Today marks a historic turning point for our country,” he said during his inaugural speech. “With a united and determined people, we open a new chapter in Madagascar’s history.”
The swearing-in was witnessed by a large crowd, including many young protesters who had led the campaign for political change.
Col Randrianirina’s rise to power follows prolonged unrest over water and electricity shortages that began last month. The demonstrations, initially organised by a youth coalition known as Gen Z Mada, escalated as frustrations mounted over governance failures.
Rajoelina’s attempt to maintain control through government dissolution and dialogue sessions failed to quell public anger, eventually forcing him to flee and face impeachment.
The new president, formerly the head of the elite CAPSAT army unit, declared earlier in the week that the military would take charge of the government temporarily and oversee elections within two years.
During the ceremony, Col Randrianirina pledged to uphold national unity and human rights, while promising major reforms. “We will work hand in hand with all sectors of society to draft a new constitution and implement necessary electoral reforms,” he said. “Our mission is to rebuild Madagascar’s political, social, and administrative systems.”
He also outlined three immediate priorities: reviewing the operations of the state-owned utility firm Jirama, addressing challenges in rice production as the planting season begins, and appointing a new prime minister to form a transitional government.
While the Constitutional Court has rejected claims that the takeover amounts to a coup, citing constitutional ambiguities, the international community remains cautious. Court President Florent Rakotoarisoa said that institutional weaknesses—not deliberate violations—led to the crisis.
Observers note that Madagascar’s shift mirrors political changes seen in other former French colonies in Africa. In a move seen as symbolic, Col Randrianirina met with Russian officials on Thursday to discuss “deepened cooperation,” following public displays of Russian flags during the protests.
Despite uncertainty ahead, many in Madagascar remain cautiously optimistic about the possibility of reform under the new leadership.
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