ANTANANARIVO – Randrianirina to Lead Transitional Government After Rajoelina’s Ouster
Madagascar’s new military ruler, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, is expected to be sworn in as president within the coming days, following the coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina and the impeachment vote by lawmakers earlier this week.
Two senior sources familiar with the situation confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony will take place “within the next day or two” in the presence of officials from the High Constitutional Court, which formally invited Randrianirina to assume the presidency.
Rajoelina Impeached and in Hiding
The political turmoil deepened after President Andry Rajoelina was impeached by parliament on Tuesday, just two days after fleeing the country amid widespread Gen Z–led protests and mass defections within the security forces.
In a televised address on Monday night, Rajoelina said he had been forced to move to a safe location due to threats to his life. Multiple sources — including an opposition official, a military insider, and a foreign diplomat — told Reuters he fled Madagascar aboard a French military aircraft on Sunday.
Despite his impeachment, Rajoelina has refused to formally step down, denouncing the coup as unconstitutional and calling for international intervention.
Military Takes Control of State Institutions
Following the takeover, Colonel Randrianirina announced the dissolution of all state institutions except the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament.
Speaking to reporters, he declared that a military-led committee would govern the country alongside a transitional government for up to two years, after which new democratic elections would be held.
“The military will safeguard the sovereignty and unity of the nation until a legitimate and stable government is re-established,” Randrianirina said.
A Familiar Name in Madagascar’s Coup History
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a commander in the elite CAPSAT army unit, is no stranger to Madagascar’s volatile politics. The same unit played a key role in the 2009 coup that first brought Andry Rajoelina to power, toppling then-president Marc Ravalomanana.
Randrianirina broke ranks with Rajoelina last week, citing corruption, mismanagement, and what he described as “a betrayal of the Malagasy people’s hopes.”
International Reactions and Next Steps
The unfolding events have drawn international concern, with observers warning that the coup threatens to destabilize Madagascar’s fragile democracy.
Regional bodies, including the African Union and SADC, are expected to release formal statements once the swearing-in takes place.
Meanwhile, Gen Z protesters continue to celebrate in Antananarivo’s streets, viewing Randrianirina’s takeover as a “reset moment” for the nation’s leadership.
