Colonel Randrianirina poised to lead Madagascar following the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina.
Published On 15 Oct 2025
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a prominent military figure, is scheduled to be inaugurated as Madagascar’s interim president this Friday, following a coup that deposed President Andry Rajoelina. The African Union (AU) has responded by announcing the suspension of Madagascar from its membership.
According to an official statement released via state television on Thursday, Randrianirina “will be officially sworn in as President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar during a formal session of the High Constitutional Court” on October 17.
After fleeing the country over the weekend, Rajoelina was impeached by the parliament but has denounced the coup and refuses to relinquish power. His stance persists despite widespread youth-led protests demanding his resignation and significant defections within the security forces.
Randrianirina spearheaded a rajoelina-flees-after-military-rebellion/” title=”Madagascar in Turmoil: … Flees Amid Military Rebellion – NPR”>military uprising that aligned with demonstrators, successfully removing Rajoelina from power on Tuesday. Madagascar, an island nation with a population nearing 30 million off Africa’s eastern shore, has endured a turbulent political history marked by coups and instability since gaining independence from France in 1960.
The recent military intervention culminated weeks of civil unrest driven by youth organizations known as “Gen Z Madagascar.” These protests, which also involved labor unions and civic activists, called for improved governance and expanded employment opportunities, mirroring similar youth movements worldwide.
Protesters voiced grievances over persistent shortages of water and electricity, restricted access to tertiary education, endemic corruption, and widespread poverty affecting approximately 75% of the population, as reported by the World Bank.
While some critics argue that the military exploited the civilian protests to seize control, many demonstrators welcomed Randrianirina and his elite CAPSAT unit as they paraded triumphantly through Antananarivo’s streets on Tuesday. The colonel has pledged to hold elections within two years.
“This is a people’s awakening initiated by the youth, with the military’s support,” said Safika, a protest leader who, like many activists, uses only a single name. “Although vigilance remains essential, the current developments inspire cautious optimism,” Safika told The Associated Press.
The turning point came last Saturday when Randrianirina and his troops joined the protesters demanding Rajoelina’s resignation. The former president claimed he fled to an undisclosed location fearing for his safety.
Randrianirina has been a vocal opponent of Rajoelina’s regime and was reportedly detained for several months in 2023 on accusations of plotting a coup.
The rapid change in power has sparked international alarm. The African Union condemned the military takeover and suspended Madagascar from the organization. The United Nations expressed deep concern over the unconstitutional shift in governance.
