Col. Michael Randrianirina Sworn In as Madagascar's New President

Fri Dec 05 2025 20:42:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amid protests and a military takeover, Col. Michael Randrianirina thanked Gen Z demonstrators as he assumed the presidency of Madagascar, vowing to implement reforms and address key national issues.

Following a military takeover in Madagascar, Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as the new president. At his inauguration, Randrianirina acknowledged the role of youth-led protests in prompting the change in leadership. The former military leader promised to address the nation's pressing issues, including reforms in governance and the urgent need to improve the state-owned water and energy company, Jirama. His commitment to a two-year timeline for elections has sparked cautious optimism amid an atmosphere of political uncertainty.

Col. Michael Randrianirina Sworn In as Madagascar's New President

Amid protests and a military takeover, Colonel Michael Randrianirina has officially taken office as the newly appointed president of Madagascar. Sworn in just days after the coup, he replaced the ousted President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country following weeks of escalating demonstrations led by a youth movement.

During the inauguration at the Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, the capital, Randrianirina expressed his gratitude towards the Gen Z protesters for their persistent activism, stating, Today marks a historic turning-point for our country. With a people in full fervour, driven by the desire for change... we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation.

The military intervention, seen as a response to the public's outcry over power shortages and widespread dissatisfaction with governance, has brought both optimism and caution regarding Madagascar's political future. Randrianirina, previously head of the elite military unit known as CAPSAT, assured demonstrators that the military would lead a transitional government aimed at holding elections within a two-year period.

Following his oath, Randrianirina outlined his immediate priorities: an investigation into the troubled state-owned utility Jirama, revitalizing rice farming, and forming a new government. He plans to engage various stakeholders in drafting a new constitution, promising to break from the past and address the socio-economic challenges facing Madagascar.

Despite the challenges ahead, including political turmoil and legal uncertainties, a sense of cautious optimism persists among pro-democracy advocates. The situation remains tense as the international community grapples with how to engage with the new leadership, particularly given the historical complexities of Madagascar’s relations with former colonial power, France, juxtaposed against emerging ties with other nations, including Russia.