Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina on Sunday appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison as the country’s new prime minister.
The move came barely a week after Randrianirina dissolved the cabinet and dismissed former prime minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo.
Rajaonarison, a former senior gendarmerie officer and career civil administrator, has led the Financial Intelligence Unit since 2021.
The unit combats money laundering, terrorism financing, and illicit financial flows across Madagascar’s fragile economy and institutions.
At a ceremony in the presidential palace, Randrianirina praised Rajaonarison as a person of principle and incorruptible integrity.
“The Malagasy nation needs bold decisions. We are now at a turning point,” Randrianirina said to gathered officials.
Rajaonarivelo had been appointed shortly after Randrianirina seized power amid protests forcing ex-president Andry Rajoelina to flee.
Randrianirina denies a coup, insisting the Constitutional Court “transferred power” and pledges a two‑year transition plan.
The roadmap includes national consultations, drafting a new constitution, and elections scheduled for late 2027 across Madagascar.
Analysts and members of the Gen Z protest movement described Rajaonarivelo’s dismissal as sudden but hint at deeper political currents.
“I do not believe this decision was taken entirely on the spur of the moment,” said researcher Velomahanina Razakamaharavo.
Calls for deeper reforms and online campaigns appear to be reshaping the island nation’s tense and unpredictable political climate.