In a dramatic turn of events, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the leader of Madagascar’s CAPSAT army unit, was sworn in as the nation’s president on Friday, October 17, 2025. This follows a military coup that ousted former President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country amid widespread youth-led protests. The military’s takeover has drawn sharp criticism from international bodies, including the African Union and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Randrianirina, who previously commanded the elite CAPSAT unit, played a pivotal role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power. However, he broke ranks with Rajoelina last week, urging soldiers not to fire on anti-government protesters. During his swearing-in ceremony at the High Constitutional Court, Randrianirina pledged to ‘fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities’ of his new role, vowing to strengthen national unity and human rights.
The military has dissolved all government institutions except the National Assembly, establishing a transitional committee to rule alongside a provisional government for up to two years before organizing new elections. This political upheaval comes against a backdrop of severe economic challenges in Madagascar, where 75% of the population lives in poverty, and GDP per capita has plummeted by 45% since independence in 1960.
Rajoelina, who was impeached by lawmakers after fleeing the country, has condemned the coup and refused to step down. The situation remains volatile, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the island nation.