Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina announced on Wednesday that he will soon be sworn in as president of Madagascar, following a military takeover that removed President Andry Rajoelina from power.
Rajoelina, who was impeached by parliament after escaping the country over the weekend, has rejected the coup, refused to step down, and condemned the takeover
Randrianirina told a press briefing that the military had taken control and dissolved all institutions except the National Assembly (the lower house of parliament). “We will be sworn in soon,” he said, adding, “We took responsibility yesterday.”
The High Constitutional Court has formally invited him to assume the presidency amid the transition. Earlier, two people close to him told Reuters that the swearing-in would occur within one or two days.
Randrianirina also outlined a roadmap: a military-led committee would govern alongside a transitional body for up to two years, after which new elections would be held. Rajoelina, who rose to power in a 2009 coup himself, fled Madagascar on Sunday aboard a French military plane, reportedly fearing for his life. He is now believed to be in Dubai and has condemned the military’s actions as illegal.
Read Also: Madagascar Military Takeover As President Rajoelina Flees
Before the coup there was a widespread Gen Z-led protests, demanding improved governance, opportunities, and accountability. In the lead-up, security forces—including the elite CAPSAT unit, national police, and gendarmerie—had begun defecting or refusing orders to crack down on demonstrators.
Randrianirina was formerly a commander in CAPSAT and had broken with Rajoelina days before the coup, calling on troops not to fire on protesters.
Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries. Its population of about 30 million is very young (median age below 20), and three-quarters live in poverty. Between independence in 1960 and 2020, GDP per capita dropped by roughly 45 percent, according to World Bank data.
Rajoelina’s tenure was filled with promises to improve living standards and fight corruption, yet all his promises went unfulfilled and led to the revolt against him.
