Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina Sworn In As Madagascar President

Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in on Friday as Madagascar’s new president, just days after a military takeover that forced former leader Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.

Randrianirina led the CAPSAT army unit that mutinied earlier in the week, siding with protesters before declaring that the military had assumed control following Rajoelina’s impeachment for abandoning his duties on Tuesday.

His swearing-in ceremony was marked by a display of military celebration, trumpets, salutes, and cheers as he officially replaced Rajoelina, the same man he once served to protect.

Rajoelina was impeached by lawmakers after he left the country amid growing demonstrations calling for his resignation.

His quiet exit came as some soldiers defected to join the protesters, accelerating the collapse of his government.

Randrianirina’s inauguration took place on Friday at the constitutional court, where he had temporarily suspended after seizing power.

“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 military CAPSAT unit now backing Randrianirina had supported Rajoelina during the 2009 coup that brought him to power.

Rajoelina later won democratic elections in 2018, completed his term, and was re-elected in 2023.

Randrianirina initially announced that the military would govern for up to two years alongside a transitional administration before organizing new elections.

However, the constitutional court has ordered that elections be held within 60 days, in line with the country’s laws.

The 51-year-old colonel swapped his army uniform for a suit at Friday’s swearing-in ceremony where he addressed the foreign delegations in French, inviting them to “accompany Madagascar in the process of steering and implementing national renewal”.

“We are committed to breaking with the past,” Randrianirina said. “Our main mission is to thoroughly reform the country’s administrative, socio-economic and political systems of governance.”

KanyiDaily recalls that the African Union (AU) had suspended Madagascar from its activities following a military takeover that ousted President Andry Rajoelina after his impeachment.