Madagascar’s new head of state, Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has appointed Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, a seasoned banker and private sector figure, as the country’s new prime minister marking the first major step toward forming a civilian government following last week’s military takeover.
Randrianirina, who was sworn in as president on Friday after ex-leader Andry Rajoelina fled the country, said the appointment came after consultations with the national assembly.
He praised Rajaonarivelo, the former chairman of the Malagasy bank BNI, for his “skills, experience, and international connections,” which he said would help rebuild the country and restore cooperation with foreign partners.
The army colonel, who led the CAPSAT unit that mutinied on October 11, said his administration would collaborate with “all the driving forces of the nation” and insisted that the process adhered to constitutional guidelines.
The military takeover followed weeks of nationwide protests over crippling power cuts and economic hardship, which escalated into a mass anti-government movement. The unrest ultimately led to Rajoelina’s impeachment for “desertion of duty” and his subsequent flight from Madagascar.
According to media reports, the ousted president was evacuated to Dubai via the French island of Réunion aboard a French military plane.
While Randrianirina has rejected accusations of staging a coup, supporters of the former president have condemned the transition, despite backing from the country’s constitutional court.
What You Should Know
Colonel Michael Randrianirina emerged as Madagascar’s new leader after leading a military mutiny that turned against former president Andry Rajoelina’s government.
His appointment of a civilian prime minister is seen as an attempt to ease tensions and restore international confidence ahead of planned elections.
