Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina to Be Sworn in as Madagascar President

Madagascar is witnessing a profound political upheaval as Colonel Michael Randrianirina prepares to be sworn in as the island nation’s president following a dramatic military takeover. This move comes days after the impeachment and subsequent flight of President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country citing threats to his life. The highest court in Madagascar is set to formalize Randrianirina’s appointment in a ceremony marking a critical moment in the country’s ongoing crisis.

The 51-year-old commander of the elite CAPSAT military unit, which played a pivotal role in the mutiny that erupted amid widespread protests, denies that the takeover constitutes a coup. He emphasizes that the military’s intervention aims to address the deep-seated governance issues that led to the youth-led protests which began on September 25 over persistent power cuts and corruption. Randrianirina stated that the government will remain civilian-led, with a presidential council made up of both military and civilians, and pledged to hold elections within 18 to 24 months.

The power seizure followed months of mounting tension, with the constitutional court backing the military leader despite international criticism, including from the United Nations and the African Union, the latter of which has suspended Madagascar’s membership in response to the takeover. The parliament impeached Rajoelina for dereliction of duty after he fled abroad under unclear circumstances, sparking a constitutional crisis that the military capitalized on.

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Rajoelina’s camp condemns the court’s endorsement of Randrianirina, questioning the legality of the military’s actions and warning of destabilization risks. AFP journalists reported a large crowd attending the swearing-in ceremony, including youth activists who led the protests and foreign delegations from the U.S., EU, and France, underscoring the international attention focused on Madagascar’s fragile transition.

Madagascar’s political turmoil adds to a growing list of former French colonies in Africa facing military takeovers in recent years. The Indian Ocean island, long plagued by poverty despite rich natural resources, now confronts a sensitive period that could redefine its governance. The new military president has promised a consultative process to appoint a consensus prime minister and has sought to assure the public that civilian rule will be restored.

This is Madagascar’s third military transition since independence in 1960, following coups in 1972 and 2009, and the international community remains vigilant, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and democratic resolution that includes broad civilian participation.