Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s president days after troops from his elite CAPSAT unit backed youth-led street protests that forced President Andry Rajoelina to flee and triggered his impeachment.
Trading fatigues for a suit at the Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, Randrianirina thanked the Gen Z Mada movement whose weeks of demonstrations over rolling power and water cuts swelled into a mass challenge to Rajoelina’s rule.
“Today marks a turning point,” he said, pledging to restore unity and human rights and to work “hand in hand” with civil and political groups on a new constitution and electoral reforms ahead of promised elections within two years. Trumpets sounded as he took the oath, wearing the presidential sash and star.
Constitutional Court president Florent Rakotoarisoa rejected foreign descriptions of a “coup”, arguing the crisis stemmed from flaws in the constitution rather than a breach of it.
Security was tight around the court as an armoured convoy escorted the new leader, who appeared relaxed as he spoke to reporters. He outlined three immediate priorities: an inquiry into the state utility Jirama to address chronic water and power shortages; support for rice farming as the planting season begins; and the appointment of a prime minister to form a transitional government.
Pro-democracy groups at home and abroad urged the military-led administration to keep its pledge of a time-bound transition to elections. During the unrest some demonstrators waved Russian flags, and Randrianirina met Russian embassy officials this week to discuss deeper cooperation, a sign relations with France could recalibrate during the transition.
Rajoelina dissolved his government and launched dialogues in a bid to ride out the protests before ultimately losing power.