Madagascar: Soldier Who Chased President Out of Villa Sworn In as New Leader

• Colonel Michael Randrianirina takes oath as Madagascar’s new president after leading a military coup that ousted Andry Rajoelina
• The new leader dissolves all institutions except the National Assembly and plans a two-year military-led transitional rule before fresh elections
• The African Union and United Nations condemn the coup as youth protesters grow uneasy about the army’s swift seizure of power

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Colonel Michael Randrianirina has officially assumed leadership of Madagascar, taking the oath of office as president just days after seizing power from former leader Andry Rajoelina.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the High Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, drew loud cheers, military fanfare, and displays of loyalty from soldiers.

Rajoelina, who fled abroad after lawmakers impeached him, continues to reject his removal despite widespread defections within the security forces and the court’s rapid endorsement of the takeover, Reuters reported.

The African Union and United Nations have both denounced the coup, describing it as a major setback for democracy in the Indian Ocean island nation.

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Military council to govern for two years

Speaking during the ceremony, Randrianirina vowed to serve with fairness and integrity.

“I will fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities of my position as President of the Republic of Madagascar,” he said.

“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.”

The new leader announced that a military-led committee would govern alongside a transitional government for up to two years before fresh elections are organised. All institutions except the National Assembly have been dissolved, ABC reported.

Many of the young protesters who demanded Rajoelina’s exit have welcomed his removal but are now expressing unease over the army’s quick takeover.

From coup soldier to commander-in-chief

Randrianirina previously commanded the elite CAPSAT army unit that helped bring Rajoelina to power during the 2009 coup.

He later broke ranks, refusing to allow soldiers to fire on civilians during the latest protests that erupted over worsening power cuts and water shortages.

Madagascar’s population, estimated at 30 million, remains among the world’s poorest, with most citizens surviving on less than $600 a year.

The World Bank reports that the country’s GDP per capita has fallen by nearly half since independence, making it one of the few nations poorer today than it was in 1960.

Burkina Faso lockdown military barracks

Recall that after a failed coup attempt in Burkina Faso, military barracks were locked down.

The directive was given by Ibrahim Traore, the military head of state, who rose to power after ousting a democratically elected leader.

The government disclosed that the plan to overthrow the administration was uncovered after security agents intercepted communications between a senior military officer and terrorist groups.

The intercepted plans allegedly involved an attack on the presidential palace on April 16, 2025. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed on state television that both active and retired soldiers, alongside terror elements, were implicated in the plot.

He specifically named Captain René David Ouédraogo as one of the ringleaders, who is reportedly now on the run.

French president announces economic deals with Madagascar

Legit.ng earlier reported that France and Madagascar announced they would strengthen economic cooperation through several ambitious projects, including a major hydroelectric dam, during President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the Indian Ocean island.

The visit, the first official trip by a French president in 20 years, was intended to strengthen bilateral ties and consolidate France's presence in the Indian Ocean despite ongoing colonial-era disputes.

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