In a dramatic turn of events, Michael Randrianirina, a colonel in the Malagasy military, has been sworn in as the President of Madagascar following a swift takeover that ousted Andry Rajoelina from power. The change comes after mass youth-led protests over chronic utility failures and economic hardship, and it signals a major shift for the Indian Ocean island nation.
The Rapid March to Power
Randrianirina, who commands the elite CAPSAT unit, assumed the presidency on October 17, 2025, after the High Constitutional Court ratified the takeover. His accession follows three weeks of protests sparked by water and electricity shortages and frustration with Rajoelina’s government. The protests turned deadly, with at least 22 people killed in clashes. Meanwhile, Rajoelina fled the country and was impeached by parliament for dereliction of duty.
The military’s announcement and court-backed swearing-in came quickly, raising alarm from the African Union (AU) and the United Nations, both of whom condemned the takeover as an unconstitutional change of government.
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What Randrianirina Promises
At the heart of Randrianirina’s speech was a firm commitment to return the country to democratic rule. He announced the creation of a transitional council, made up of military and civilian representatives, to oversee reforms ahead of free and fair elections within two years.
According to the colonel, the transitional government will prioritize three key areas:
- Revamping Madagascar’s fragile economy, which has left over 70 percent of its people living below the poverty line.
- Strengthening public institutions to ensure accountability.
- Investing in energy and agriculture to secure self-sufficiency and attract sustainable investment.
His promises were met with cautious optimism. Many citizens, weary of political instability, see in his words a rare opportunity for real progress — if, indeed, the promises are kept.
The Stakes for Madagascar
This moment is full of both possibility and risk. On the one hand, citizens weary of persistent poverty—70 % live on under one dollar a day—and repeated government failures might welcome change. On the other hand, military rule has a troubled history in Madagascar and beyond. The quick transition raises critical questions: Will the transitional period be genuine? Will elections actually take place in 18-24 months? What safeguards will protect rights and civilian governance?
Why It Matters for Africa
As part of a wider pattern of military takeovers in Africa over the past half-decade, Madagascar’s coup reflects how youthful discontent, economic fragility and governance breakdowns can combine into explosive change. For the continent’s observers and people alike, it serves as a reminder: political systems that fail to deliver risk dramatic upheavals.
