…Following a swift military takeover and the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina, Colonel Randrianirina assumes leadership, pledging a two-year transition to civilian rule.
ANTANANARIVO-(MaraviPost)-On Friday, October 17, 2025, Colonel Michael Randrianirina was officially sworn in as the President of Madagascar, marking a significant shift in the nation’s leadership.
The ceremony took place at the High Constitutional Court in the capital, Antananarivo, where Randrianirina took the oath of office in the presence of the court’s nine judges.
This development follows a rapid military coup earlier in the week, during which Randrianirina’s elite army unit, known as CAPSAT, seized control of key government institutions.
The move came after President Andry Rajoelina was impeached by lawmakers and subsequently fled the country, citing threats to his life.
In his inaugural address, Randrianirina emphasized the importance of national unity and pledged to uphold human rights during the transitional period.
He announced the formation of a military-led committee to govern alongside a transitional administration, with plans to hold elections within two years.
Despite the celebratory tone of the inauguration, the coup has drawn condemnation from international bodies.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for a return to constitutional rule, while the African Union suspended Madagascar, rejecting the military action.
The unrest leading to the coup was fueled by widespread youth-led protests, particularly from the “Gen Z” demographic, who voiced frustrations over poverty, unemployment, and perceived corruption.
These protests culminated in violent clashes, resulting in at least 22 deaths.
Randrianirina, who had previously distanced himself from Rajoelina during the protests, now faces the challenge of stabilizing the nation and addressing the underlying issues that led to the unrest.
His leadership will be closely scrutinized both domestically and internationally as Madagascar navigates this period of transition.
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