Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina has officially been sworn in as the new President of Madagascar, marking a dramatic turn in the nation’s political landscape just days after a military power takeover forced former President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday at the Constitutional Court in the capital city, Antananarivo, where Randrianirina took the presidential oath before the head of the Constitutional Court. The event was attended by top military officials, political figures, and key representatives of the Gen Z-led protest movement that played a central role in recent demonstrations against Rajoelina’s government.
Foreign delegations from the United States, the European Union, France, and Russia were also present, signaling the international community’s cautious interest in Madagascar’s unfolding transition.
Colonel Randrianirina, who commanded the elite CAPSAT (Corps des personnels et des services administratifs et techniques) unit, emerged as a key figure in the recent mutiny. His troops defected from the government forces over the weekend, aligning themselves with civilian protesters demanding political change and greater transparency.
The rapid sequence of events has left the island nation on edge, as observers express concern over the stability of its democratic institutions. The Constitutional Court’s endorsement of Randrianirina’s presidency appears to formalize the military’s control, though the new leader has yet to outline a clear roadmap for governance or elections.
As Madagascar enters this new phase, the eyes of the world remain fixed on Antananarivo, where both domestic and international actors are calling for a peaceful transition and the restoration of democratic order.
