Madagascar’s Gen Z condemn military ruler’s appointment of new prime minister
Gen Z Mada has not specified what action it will take if Rajaonarivelo's appointment is not explained or reversed, but the group has made it clear that it will continue monitoring the new administration.
Madagascar’s Gen Z movement, whose protests helped force former President Andry Rajoelina from power, has condemned the appointment of businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as prime minister by the country’s new military ruler, Colonel Michael Randrianirina.
According to the BBC, the youth-led group Gen Z Mada said the decision was made “without consultation” and “in a non-transparent manner,” warning that it undermines the spirit of change they fought for.
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“Our revolution will not be hijacked. The Malagasy youth are watching and mobilising,” the group said in a statement posted on Facebook.
Randrianirina, who led the elite CAPSAT army unit before seizing control last week, was sworn in as transitional president on Friday.
On Monday, he announced the appointment of Rajaonarivelo, a former banking executive and ex-chairperson of BNI Madagascar, as the country’s new prime minister. Randrianirina said the appointment followed consultations with the National Assembly and complied with constitutional procedures.
"The President of the Reforms of the Republic of Madagascar adopted the government decree number 2025-1101 on October 20, 2025, appointing Mr Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as Prime Minister," Randrianirina said in a statement on Facebook.
He described Rajaonarivelo as someone with the expertise and international networks needed to help steer the country through the transition period.
"In addition to his expertise, the new Prime Minister is a person with experience and deep understanding in the economic, trade and international relations spheres," Randrianirina added.
Anti-government protest
The army chief took control of the Indian Ocean island after Rajoelina was impeached for desertion of duty amid weeks of anti-government protests fueled by frustration over prolonged power blackouts and economic hardship.
The demonstrations, which began in the capital Antananarivo, rapidly escalated into a national movement, drawing in sections of the military and forcing the president to flee.
In his first address after assuming office, Randrianirina pledged to form a civilian-led administration and organise fresh elections, dismissing allegations that the military had carried out a coup.
"I will fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities of my position as President of the Republic of Madagascar," Randrianirina said during a ceremony at the country's High Constitutional Court.
"I swear that I will exercise the power entrusted to me and dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity and human rights."
Gen Z Mada has not specified what action it will take if Rajaonarivelo's appointment is not explained or reversed, but the group has made it clear that it will continue monitoring the new administration.
"We will not allow the failed methods of the past to continue in a new form," Gen Z Mada’s statement concluded.
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