Madagascar’s political landscape shifted dramatically as Colonel Michael Randrianirina assumed the presidency, days after a military takeover that followed sustained youth-led demonstrations.
The former military commander formally took office at the Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, stepping in after President Andry Rajoelina fled the country and was later removed from office. Crowds, including the young activists who led the protests, attended the ceremony to witness the transfer of power.
“Today marks a historic turning-point for our country,” Col Randrianirina said, expressing his gratitude to the youth for demanding change. Trading his military uniform for a formal suit, he pledged to dedicate himself to protecting human rights and unifying the nation while guiding Madagascar through a period of political transition fraught with challenges and uncertainty.
The unrest that prompted the change began last month, driven by a youth movement called Gen Z Mada, frustrated by ongoing shortages of electricity and water.
Protesters had initially expected Rajoelina to step down voluntarily to allow a smooth democratic transition. Instead, he attempted to retain power by dissolving his government and engaging in dialogue with various groups, moves that failed to ease public anger.
Colonel Randrianirina, who led Madagascar’s elite CAPSAT unit, joined demonstrators in the streets before taking power, announcing that the military would form a government and hold elections within two years.
The announcement has been welcomed cautiously by pro-democracy advocates both within Madagascar and internationally.
At the swearing-in, trumpets sounded as the new president took his oath, wearing the official sash and star of office. AFP reported that he vowed to “dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity and human rights.”
“With a people in full fervour, driven by the desire for change... we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation,” Col Randrianirina said. “We will work hand in hand with all the driving forces of the nation to draft a fine constitution. 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.”
Constitutional Court president Florent Rakotoarisoa dismissed international claims that the military takeover was a coup, asserting that no constitutional breach occurred and suggesting that flaws within the constitution contributed to the nation’s crisis.
Madagascar now faces a critical transition under Col Randrianirina’s leadership, with the task of turning public demands into concrete political and socio-economic reforms.