In a dramatic turn of events, Col. Michael Randrianirina, a relatively unknown military figure, ascended to the presidency of Madagascar on Friday, just six days after orchestrating a military coup. His rapid rise to power followed weeks of widespread anti-government protests, primarily led by the nation’s youth, culminating in the ousting of former President Andry Rajoelina. Randrianirina, a former governor of the impoverished southern region of Androy, has long been a vocal critic of Rajoelina. His political journey has been marked by controversy, including a 2023 arrest for alleged mutiny planning, which led to a brief detention in the notorious Tsiafahy Prison. Despite these challenges, Randrianirina managed to retain his military status and eventually took command of the elite CAPSAT unit, which played a pivotal role in the coup. His leadership emerged during the protests, as he rode an armored vehicle alongside demonstrators, solidifying his position as the uprising’s de facto leader. However, his ascent has drawn international condemnation, with both the United Nations and the African Union suspending Madagascar’s membership in response to the coup.
What to know about the Madagascar army colonel who was ‘in the shadows’ before launching a coup
