Madagascar’s New Military Leader Thanks Protesters

Col Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as the new president of Madagascar days after a military takeover on the Indian Ocean nation.

He swapped his fatigues for a suit and thanked the young people who took to the streets for weeks of protests that prompted President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country and led to his impeachment.

The ceremony took place at the Constitutional Court in the capital, Antananarivo, where a large crowd gathered to watch – including those who spearheaded the demonstrations.

“Today marks a historic turning-point for our country. With a people in full fervour, driven by the desire for change… we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation,” he said.

The former French colony now enters a transition period, which will be full of political obstacles and legal uncertainty – though there is cautious optimism about Col Randrianirina’s leadership.
Constitutional Court president Florent Rakotoarisoa has criticised the international community for describing the situation in Madagascar as a coup.

He denied that there had been a violation of the constitution in Madagascar, instead blaming the constitution for causing the situation to deteriorate.

Protesters had hoped that Rajoelina would simply resign and pave the way for a smooth, democratic transition.

Instead, he clung to power, dissolving his government and holding a series of dialogues with different groups of people, efforts that were not enough to appease the protesters.

The protests, which started last month, were initially organised by a youth movement known as Gen Z Mada – angered by persistent power and water shortages.