Madagascar: Army Colonel Sworn in as New President

Madagascar was thrust into political turmoil on Friday as Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as president, days after a dramatic military takeover forced President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.

The ceremony, held at the Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, formally confirmed the 51-year-old army officer as the nation’s new leader following Rajoelina’s impeachment for “dereliction of duty.” 

The move capped a tense week that has drawn global condemnation and revived fears of another coup on the island.

Flanked by senior officers and youth leaders who spearheaded the protests that toppled Rajoelina, Randrianirina vowed to restore calm and pave the way for democratic elections within two years. 

Foreign diplomats from France, the United States, and the European Union were among those in attendance, underscoring international concern over the fast-moving developments.

Speaking to reporters after the swearing-in, Randrianirina dismissed allegations of a coup, saying his rise was constitutionally backed by the country’s highest court.

“Madagascar has not chosen a military dictatorship,” he said firmly. “This transition will include both civilians and military officers working together for the nation’s future.”

He added that consultations were ongoing to select a consensus prime minister to lead a civilian-led government during the transitional period.

However, allies of the ousted president have denounced the court’s actions, describing them as unconstitutional and warning of renewed instability. 

Rajoelina’s team maintains that he remains the legitimate leader and accused the military of undermining democratic order.

The crisis dates back to late September, when rolling blackouts and economic hardship sparked youth-led demonstrations demanding reforms. 

Security forces were accused of using excessive force to suppress protesters, resulting in casualties. 

But the turning point came on October 11 when the CAPSAT military unit, commanded by Randrianirina, refused orders to open fire on demonstrators, a move that effectively sealed Rajoelina’s downfall.

Rajoelina reportedly fled the country days later, citing threats to his safety. His office confirmed he was evacuated aboard a French military aircraft to the island of Réunion before travelling to Dubai.

Madagascar’s latest upheaval adds to a growing wave of military takeovers across Africa’s former French colonies, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea, since 2020. 

Analysts say it also marks the island’s third military transition since independence from France in 1960.

“Each political crisis leaves Madagascar weaker and more divided,” said political analyst Jean Rakotondrazaka. “Without genuine reform and civilian participation, this transition risks repeating history.”

Despite its abundant resources, Madagascar remains one of the poorest nations in the world, with nearly 80 per cent of its 32 million citizens living in poverty, according to the World Bank.

The African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) have announced plans to send fact-finding missions to assess the situation and push for a swift return to constitutional rule.