Army colonel, Michael Randrianirina, sworn in as Madagascar president

-Special Report-

The Rise of Colonel Michael Randrianirina as Madagascar’s President

In a dramatic turn of events that has reshaped Madagascar’s political landscape, Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina was officially sworn in as the nation’s president on Friday, October 17, 2025.

This inauguration followed a swift and controversial military intervention that ousted former President Andry Rajoelina, sparking both domestic celebration and international concern.

Colonel Randrianirina, commander of the CAPSAT army unit, emerged as a central figure in the recent upheaval. His unit defied government orders and aligned with a youth-led protest movement that had been gaining momentum since late September, fueled by widespread frustration over power outages and economic hardship.

The tipping point came on October 11, when CAPSAT refused to suppress demonstrators, instead declaring its support for their cause. This act of defiance catalyzed a chain of events that culminated in Rajoelina’s impeachment for desertion of duty and his subsequent flight from the country.

At the swearing-in ceremony held in Antananarivo, Randrianirina addressed a crowd of military officers, political figures, youth representatives, and foreign delegates from the United States, European Union, Russia, and France. He emphasized the historic nature of the moment, pledging to collaborate with all sectors of society to draft a new constitution and establish electoral laws that would guide future elections and referendums. He also expressed gratitude to the youth for their role in the uprising and asserted that the military’s intervention was sanctioned by the constitutional court to prevent national disorder.

Despite criticism from international bodies such as the United Nations, Randrianirina has insisted that the transition does not constitute a coup. He has promised that Madagascar will remain under civilian governance and committed to holding elections within 18 to 24 months. 

In a symbolic gesture of civilian leadership, the 51-year-old colonel exchanged his military uniform for a suit during the ceremony and addressed foreign dignitaries in French, inviting them to support Madagascar’s journey toward national renewal.

The former president, Andry Rajoelina, confirmed through his office that he fled the country over the weekend, citing threats to his life. Reports suggest he was evacuated via a French military aircraft to Reunion Island and later traveled to Dubai. His supporters have denounced the constitutional court’s endorsement of Randrianirina’s leadership, alleging procedural violations and warning of potential instability.

This marks Madagascar’s third military-led transition since gaining independence in 1960, following coups in 1972 and 2009. The country joins a growing list of former French colonies in Africa that have experienced military takeovers since 2020, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea.

With approximately 80 percent of its 32 million citizens living in poverty, Madagascar faces significant challenges ahead. Randrianirina has vowed to reform the nation’s administrative, socio-economic, and political systems, signaling a break from past governance and a commitment to inclusive renewal.

As the African Union and the Southern African Development Community prepare to send fact-finding missions, the world watches closely to see whether Madagascar’s new leadership can deliver on its promises and steer the country toward a stable and democratic future.