Military Coup Leader Takes Office as Madagascar’s President

Col. Michael Randrianirina was officially sworn in as Madagascar’s new president on October 14, 2023, following a military coup that has significantly altered the political landscape of the island nation. The transition comes after weeks of protests led by youth movements demanding change due to widespread issues such as unemployment, water shortages, and frequent power outages. The protests intensified dramatically, culminating in the impeachment of former President Andry Rajoelina by Madagascar’s highest court for desertion of duty.

Large crowds gathered in the capital city, Antananarivo, to witness the inauguration ceremony. With Randrianirina at the helm, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of historic change. He stated, “We are at a historic turning point, with a people in full fervor, driven by the desire for change and a deep love for their homeland.” The ceremony was attended by politicians and foreign delegations, including representatives from the United States.

Violence and Political Unrest

In the weeks leading up to the coup, at least 22 people were reported dead and over 100 injured amid the unrest, according to United Nations figures. The violence escalated sharply over the weekend prior to Randrianirina’s inauguration. In a video that circulated widely, he urged military personnel to support the student-led protests, which eventually led to clashes between soldiers and police in the streets of Antananarivo. The absence of Rajoelina during this turmoil fueled rumors that he had fled Madagascar, a claim later confirmed when French media reported he had been evacuated to Reunion Island before traveling to Dubai.

Rajoelina stated he left the country on October 11, citing “explicit and extremely serious threats” to his life. Following his departure, the National Assembly impeached him, a decision that was quickly ratified by the country’s highest court, paving the way for the military to seize power.

International Response and Future Plans

The military takeover has drawn widespread condemnation. Both the United Nations and the African Union have criticized the unconstitutional change in government. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need for a return to constitutional order, while the African Union suspended Madagascar’s membership and called for immediate elections and a return to civilian governance.

Randrianirina, who had previously been a vocal critic of Rajoelina, was imprisoned for three months in late 2023 for allegedly instigating a mutiny. Despite international backlash, he insists that his actions do not constitute a coup. During recent interviews, he stated, “I don’t think there was a coup. The army is just showing the Malagasy people that we still exist.”

In a notable shift from his military attire, Randrianirina appeared at the swearing-in ceremony in a suit and tie. He announced plans to appoint a civilian prime minister and promised to hold elections within two years. Nevertheless, he has suspended most civil institutions and established a military council composed of army and police officers to govern the nation, which is home to approximately 32 million people.

This marks the third military transition of power Madagascar has experienced since gaining independence from France in the late 1950s. Previous coups took place in 1972 and 2009. With around 80% of the population living below the poverty line, Madagascar remains one of the world’s poorest nations. The current situation reflects a broader trend affecting several former French African colonies that have recently experienced military takeovers, including Mali, Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.