Military leader Randrianirina sworn in as Madagascar’s new president

Colonel Michael Randrianirina was officially sworn in as Madagascar’s President on Friday, October 17, 2025, following a military takeover that ousted President Andry Rajoelina. The ceremony took place at the High Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, accompanied by military honors and a pledge from Randrianirina to uphold national unity and human rights. He announced that a military-led committee would govern alongside a transitional administration for up to two years before elections are held.

The crisis escalated after President Rajoelina attempted to dissolve the National Assembly by decree, triggering an impeachment vote. On Tuesday, 130 lawmakers voted to impeach him, with only one abstention. Rajoelina reportedly left the capital aboard a French military aircraft but claimed he remained in charge, arguing that dissolving parliament was necessary “to restore order and democratic stability.” He also appointed army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, formerly director of the military cabinet within the prime minister’s office, as Prime Minister to stabilize the situation without resigning. Zafisambo replaced Christian Ntsay and was tasked with addressing the worsening electricity and water crises that have fueled public unrest.

Demonstrations, largely led by students and young activists known locally as the “Gen Z” movement, erupted across major cities, including Antananarivo. Protesters demanded accountability, political reform, and an end to poverty. The unrest led to clashes with security forces, who used tear gas to disperse crowds. The United Nations reports at least 22 deaths and more than 100 injuries, though the government disputes these figures. The protests mirrored youth-led movements in Kenya and Nepal and were a major factor in Rajoelina’s removal.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, born around 1974 in Sevohipoty, Androy, is a seasoned military officer trained at the Antsirabe Military Academy. He served as Governor of Androy from 2016 to 2018 and later commanded the elite CAPSAT unit (Army Corps of Personnel and Administrative and Technical Services), which manages military logistics, personnel, and technical operations. CAPSAT’s influence in Madagascar’s armed forces earned it a reputation as a “kingmaker,” and it played a pivotal role in the 2025 coup. Randrianirina was briefly imprisoned in 2023 for an alleged attempt at a military mutiny but was released in 2024 with a suspended sentence. He later regained command of CAPSAT and became a vocal critic of Rajoelina’s handling of the nation’s energy and water crises.

Madagascar’s socio-economic challenges are longstanding. Decades of underinvestment and corruption in national utilities, such as Jirama, have left millions without reliable access to electricity and water. Despite abundant natural resources, three-quarters of Malagasy citizens live in poverty. Analysts note that the crisis reflects systemic weaknesses in governance, transparency, and accountability.

This scenario is reminiscent of similar African cases, where coups and military-led governance have led to prolonged unrest and economic instability. Mali experienced military coups in 2020 and 2021, leading to political disruption and economic decline. Guinea faced a military takeover in 2021, while Burkina Faso endured repeated coups in 2022–2023, exacerbating security issues and hindering development. These examples illustrate how military interventions can destabilize nations, disrupt democratic institutions, and hinder socio-economic progress.

The African Union and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the coup in Madagascar, urging a return to civilian governance. Domestically, Randrianirina now faces the challenge of stabilizing the nation, restoring essential services, and regaining public trust amid ongoing unrest. With divisions deepening and protests continuing, Madagascar stands at a critical crossroads, where the coming months will determine whether the nation can achieve political stability or descend further into turmoil.