标签： Africa

In a dramatic turn of events, Col Michael Randrianirina has emerged as Madagascar’s most influential figure, following a swift and unexpected ascent to power. Just days ago, Randrianirina was relatively unknown, but as the head of the elite CAPSAT military unit, he led his troops into the capital, joining thousands of protesters demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. After Rajoelina fled and MPs voted to impeach him, Randrianirina announced to the world that CAPSAT was taking control. The constitutional court swiftly declared him the country’s new leader, despite Rajoelina’s claims of continued authority. Randrianirina’s background is shrouded in mystery, with limited public information available. Born in Sevohipoty, he served as governor of Androy and later led an infantry battalion in Toliara. A vocal critic of Rajoelina, he was imprisoned in 2023 without trial, accused of inciting mutiny, but was released in 2024 amid claims of political persecution. Randrianirina, described as ‘simple but tough’ and ‘patriotic,’ has pledged to prioritize social welfare in a nation where 75% live in poverty. He plans a two-year military-civilian government before elections. His swearing-in ceremony is imminent, marking the culmination of a whirlwind rise from obscurity to leadership.

In the tumultuous world of politics, even the most seemingly invincible leaders can find themselves forced into exile, fleeing their countries to escape incarceration, execution, or political retribution. This phenomenon has been witnessed repeatedly across the globe, often triggered by revolutions, military coups, or widespread public unrest. The most recent addition to this list is Andry Rajoelina, the president of Madagascar, who was ousted in a military coup this week following weeks of Gen Z-led protests over economic hardship, lack of opportunities, and power shortages in the island nation. His downfall is part of a broader pattern of leaders who have met similar fates. Marc Ravalomanana, Madagascar’s sixth president, was overthrown in 2009 by Rajoelina himself, then the mayor of Antananarivo. Ravalomanana fled to South Africa, was convicted in absentia, and later returned to Madagascar only to face arrest before his sentence was lifted. In Syria, Bashar Assad fled to Russia in 2024 as rebel forces advanced toward Damascus, ending his family’s 51-year rule. Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine’s former president, fled to Russia in 2014 after protests erupted over his decision to abandon an EU agreement in favor of a Russian bailout. Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Haiti’s first democratically elected leader, twice fled his country during military coups, while Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s four-decade rule ended in 2011 when he was captured and killed by rebel forces during the Arab Spring. These cases highlight the precarious nature of political power and the dramatic consequences of its loss.

Raila Odinga, one of Kenya’s most prominent and enduring political figures, passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 80 in India, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. Known affectionately as ‘Baba’ (father), Odinga was a firebrand politician and a staunch advocate for multi-party democracy, earning both fervent support and fierce opposition throughout his career. His death marks the end of an era for Kenya and leaves a significant void in the country’s political landscape as it approaches the 2027 elections. Odinga, a veteran opposition leader, made five unsuccessful presidential bids, coming closest to the presidency in 2008 when he was appointed prime minister in a coalition government. Despite his political misfortunes, he remained a formidable force, with successive Kenyan presidents seeking his support to govern effectively. In 2022, he made his final bid for the presidency, choosing former Justice Minister Martha Karua as his running mate—a historic move that was widely celebrated. Odinga’s legacy extends beyond Kenya; he was a dedicated pan-Africanist who championed African unity and self-reliance, serving as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development from 2018 to 2023. Born into a famous political family, Odinga followed in the footsteps of his father, Jaramogi Odinga, Kenya’s first vice-president, who fell out with the country’s founding leader, Jomo Kenyatta. Raila Odinga’s life was marked by struggle, including two periods of detention during the rule of Daniel arap Moi, Kenya’s second president. He was also a former political prisoner, holding the record for being Kenya’s longest-serving detainee. Odinga’s commitment to democracy and his role in Kenya’s political history will be remembered, even as questions about the fairness of the electoral system he criticized remain unresolved.

NAIROBI, Kenya — The political landscape of Kenya and the broader African continent is in mourning following the passing of Raila Odinga, a former prime minister and a towering figure in Kenyan politics. Odinga, affectionately known as ‘Baba’ by his supporters, died on Wednesday in India after suffering a heart attack. He was 80 years old. Despite never ascending to the presidency, Odinga’s influence on Kenyan politics was profound, having contested the presidency five times over three decades. His legacy as a champion of democracy, good governance, and people-centered development has left an indelible mark on Kenya and beyond. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, highlighting his unwavering commitment to justice, pluralism, and democratic reform. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described Odinga as a ‘towering figure’ who inspired generations of leaders. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled Odinga’s special affection for India and his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who supported Odinga in the 2022 election, hailed him as a ‘father to the nation’ and a ‘steadfast champion for the people.’ Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also expressed their condolences, emphasizing Odinga’s regional and continental impact. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa noted Odinga’s role in advancing peace and development in Africa, particularly through his work with the African Union. Kalonzo Musyoka, a former vice president of Kenya, reflected on Odinga’s resilience and sacrifices in the struggle for multiparty democracy. Odinga’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of dialogue and democratic institutions. His passing marks the end of an era for Kenyan politics, but his influence will continue to shape the nation’s future.

In a dramatic turn of events, Madagascar’s military has assumed control of the African island nation following weeks of youth-led protests against President Andry Rajoelina’s government. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the leader of the coup, declared in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press that he is “taking the position of president” and expects to be officially sworn in within days. The military plans to govern for up to two years before holding elections, aiming to stabilize the country amid widespread discontent. Randrianirina emphasized that the takeover was necessary to address the nation’s crises, citing the absence of leadership after Rajoelina fled the country fearing for his life. The coup leader claimed legitimacy through an order from Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court, though this has been disputed by Rajoelina’s office, which alleges judicial coercion. The African Union swiftly suspended Madagascar’s membership, condemning the unconstitutional change of power. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern and urged stakeholders to work toward a peaceful resolution. The protests, led by youth groups known as “Gen Z Madagascar,” highlighted grievances over chronic water and electricity shortages, limited access to education, government corruption, and widespread poverty. While some demonstrators welcomed the military’s intervention, analysts warn that a military-led resolution undermines the civil society uprising. Madagascar, a nation of 30 million people and the world’s leading vanilla producer, has a history of political instability since gaining independence from France in 1960. The current crisis underscores the challenges of governance in a country grappling with systemic issues and a disillusioned youth population.