Madagascar’s military leader, Michael Randrianirina, is set to be sworn in as the new president following a coup that ousted former President Andry Rajoelina. Rajoelina was impeached by legislators after fleeing the country over the weekend amid growing public protests demanding his resignation. Randrianirina announced the military’s takeover and the dissolution of all government institutions, with the exception of the National Assembly.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Randrianirina confirmed that he would soon take the presidential oath. This announcement came a day after the High Constitutional Court invited him to assume the presidency of the island nation, which is a former French colony. “We took responsibility yesterday,” he stated, emphasizing the military’s role in the transition of power.
Randrianirina indicated that a military-led committee would govern alongside a transitional government for up to two years, with plans for new elections afterward. He stated, “There must be an oath-taking” to solidify his position, and he reaffirmed that the military leadership aims to expedite the appointment of a new prime minister to address the ongoing crisis. However, he did not provide a specific timeline for this development.
Protests have been spearheaded by youth groups identifying as Gen Z Madagascar, who are advocating for better governance and job opportunities. These demonstrations reflect a broader global trend of youth activism. Protesters have voiced concerns over chronic issues such as water and electricity shortages, limited access to higher education, government corruption, and widespread poverty.
Randrianirina, previously a commander in the elite CAPSAT army unit, played a significant role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power. Last week, he distanced himself from Rajoelina, publicly urging soldiers not to fire on demonstrators. Following his impeachment, Rajoelina fled Madagascar on March 3, 2024, aboard a French military aircraft, citing threats to his life. He is currently believed to be in Dubai, according to diplomatic and opposition sources.
The political landscape in Madagascar has been tumultuous since Rajoelina initially rose to power through a coup in 2009, becoming the youngest head of state globally at the age of 34. Despite promises to enhance living conditions and combat corruption, progress has been minimal. The average age in Madagascar is under 20, and approximately 75% of its population of around 30 million lives in poverty. Between its independence in 1960 and 2020, the country’s GDP per capita fell by 45%, according to the World Bank.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community is closely monitoring the implications of this leadership change on Madagascar’s political stability and socio-economic conditions.
