Madagascar military ruler Michael Randrianirina sworn in as president
At a ceremony held at the Constitutional Court in the capital, Michael Randrianirina swapped his military fatigues for a suit and thanked the young protesters for their role in the country’s recent changes.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as the new president of Madagascar, days after the armed forces announced they were taking control of the country.
The move followed weeks of youth-led protests and came after former president Andry Rajoelina fled abroad and was subsequently impeached amid nationwide unrest.
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The transition comes after weeks of protests led by youth groups calling themselves Gen Z Madagascar, who rallied against persistent power and water shortages. The movement had hoped for a peaceful resignation by Rajoelina, but their demands were not met, fueling the ongoing demonstrations.
At a ceremony held at the Constitutional Court in the capital, Randrianirina swapped his military fatigues for a suit and thanked the young protesters for their role in the country’s recent changes.
"Today marks a historic turning point for our country. With a people in full fervour, driven by the desire for change... we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation," he said.
Randrianirina, former head of Madagascar’s elite CAPSAT (Corps d’Administration des Personnels et des Services Administratifs et Techniques) army unit, confirmed on October 14, 2025, that the military had taken power and dissolved all institutions except the lower house of parliament, the National Assembly.
"It wasn't a coup, it was a case of taking responsibility because the country was on the brink of collapse," Randrianirina said.
He told the Gen Z demonstrators he was taking power and that the military would form a government and hold elections within two years.
At the ceremony at the country's top court, Reuters news agency reports that trumpets blared after Randrianirina took his oath of office, promising to "dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity and human rights".
Wearing an official sash and star of office, he reaffirmed his commitment to change.
"We will work hand in hand with all the driving forces of the nation to draft a fine constitution," he said, adding that electoral reforms would be instituted before a new vote was held.
"We are committed to breaking with the past. Our main mission is to thoroughly reform the country's administrative, socio-economic and political systems of governance."
Constitutional Court president Florent Rakotoarisoa has criticised the international community for describing the situation in Madagascar as a coup.
He denied that there had been a violation of the constitution in Madagascar, instead blaming the constitution for causing the situation to deteriorate.
The international community has expressed concern over the swift change in power in the poor island nation.
The African Union said on Wednesday it was suspending Madagascar "with immediate effect" from the bloc.
Meanwhile, the UN said it was "deeply concerned by the unconstitutional change of power".
Madagascar's former colonial ruler, France, urged in a statement that it was "now essential that democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law be scrupulously upheld".
A spokesman for the German foreign ministry said all actors needed to "act with caution in this currently somewhat confusing situation".
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