¨
A few
days after the military coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina, an army
colonel has been sworn in as the new President of Madagascar.
¨ On October 17, 2025, the High Constitutional
Court formally approved the appointment of Colonel Michael Randrianirina during
a swearing-in ceremony. The event came after President Rajoelina faced
impeachment for dereliction of duty, marking a week of political turmoil in the
island nation.
¨ The military intervention followed weeks of
violent protests triggered by severe electricity and water shortages. According
to the United Nations (UN), at least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured
during the unrest, which was condemned as an unconstitutional change of
government.
¨ Following the coup, Madagascar was suspended
from the African Union due to violations of democratic principles.
¨ The swearing-in ceremony was attended by
military leaders, politicians, and representatives of Generation Z youth
movements, as well as delegations from the United States, European Union,
Russia, and France.
¨ The 51-year-old CAPSAT Unit Commander Colonel
Randrianirina pledged to hold national elections within 18 to 24 months and
begin consultations to appoint a consensus prime minister.
¨ Since gaining independence in 1960,
Madagascar has experienced several military coups, including the 2009 coup,
which brought Rajoelina to power as a transitional leader.
¨
Located
in the Indian Ocean off Africa’s eastern coast, this island nation is home to
roughly 30 million people and is famous for its vanilla exports and lemur species.
