ANTANANARIVO — Madagascar is set to swear in an army colonel as its new president on Friday, marking a dramatic political shift just days after a military takeover forced President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country. The sudden transition has sparked international concern about yet another coup in the politically fragile island nation.
The country’s highest court was expected to formalize the appointment of Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina during a ceremony scheduled for 9:00 am (06H00 GMT). This follows Rajoelina’s impeachment on Tuesday for “desertion of duty,” a move that paved the way for the military’s intervention.
Facing growing international criticism — including statements from the United Nations and African regional blocs — Army Colonel Randrianirina has denied orchestrating a coup. Instead, he emphasized that the constitutional court endorsed his appointment, describing the transition as legal and necessary.
“Madagascar has not chosen a military regime,” Randrianirina told reporters on Thursday. “The government belongs to civilians. The presidential council is also composed of military and civilians.”
The 51-year-old army colonel, who commands the elite CAPSAT unit, has pledged to organize elections within 18 to 24 months. He also confirmed that consultations are underway to select a consensus prime minister, signaling attempts to calm tensions both domestically and internationally.
Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina Denies Leading a Coup
Rajoelina’s supporters have strongly rejected the constitutional court’s decision, arguing that the appointment of the army colonel was marred by procedural violations. They warned that the move could destabilize the former French colony, which has endured repeated political crises over the past decades.
Rajoelina’s allies insisted that he remains the legitimate leader of the country and argued that he was actively working to address Madagascar’s pressing challenges, including chronic power cuts that triggered mass protests on September 25.
The demonstrations, largely led by frustrated youth, were met with a harsh government crackdown. Human rights groups reported several deaths and injuries before CAPSAT, under Randrianirina’s command, refused to open fire on protesters. That decision on October 11 proved to be a turning point, earning the unit widespread support from the protest movement and paving the way for the power shift.
Rajoelina’s office confirmed on Wednesday that he fled Madagascar over the weekend after CAPSAT sided with the protesters. He cited fears for his personal safety but did not disclose his location.
According to media reports, Rajoelina was flown out on Sunday aboard a French military aircraft to Reunion Island, a French overseas territory, before traveling to Dubai.
This marks the third time in Madagascar’s history that a sitting president has fled the country after being removed from power. Didier Ratsiraka went into exile in 2002, and Marc Ravalomanana fled to South Africa in 2009 — the latter event also involving military intervention.
The appointment of Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina adds Madagascar to a growing list of African nations where the military has taken power since 2020. Other countries include Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea — many of them former French colonies.
This is Madagascar’s third military transition since gaining independence from France in 1960, following coups in 1972 and 2009.
Despite its rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources, the island remains one of the poorest countries in the world. According to the World Bank, around 80% of Madagascar’s 32 million people live in poverty, making political instability even more dangerous for the nation’s fragile economy.
The international community has reacted swiftly to the events in Madagascar. The African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced plans to send fact-finding missions to assess the situation. Both organizations urged the restoration of constitutional order and called for civilians to play a central role in the transition.
“The transition is now underway. We call for the full involvement of civilians in the ongoing process,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Thursday during a visit to Nigeria.
“The mobilisation of Madagascar’s youth must be fully heard to build a sustainable, peaceful, and calm solution,” he added.
As Army Colonel Randrianirina prepares to assume the presidency, he faces significant pressure on multiple fronts. Domestically, he must address widespread discontent over economic hardship, unemployment, and failing infrastructure. Internationally, he must convince global powers and regional blocs that this is not a return to military dictatorship.
While he has pledged elections and a civilian-led government, critics remain skeptical. Many point to similar promises made in other African military transitions that were either delayed or abandoned.
For now, the focus will be on how the army colonel balances power between military and civilian forces, manages growing youth movements, and navigates intense diplomatic scrutiny.
Madagascar’s political future is uncertain as it enters yet another period of military-led transition. Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina has positioned himself as a stabilizing figure, but restoring trust — both at home and abroad — will be a major test of his leadership.
If elections are held as promised, it could mark a rare example of a military-backed government peacefully handing power back to civilians. If not, Madagascar risks deepening instability in an already fragile region.
Source- EWN
