Madagascar’s interim leader unveiled the island nation’s new government Wednesday, still excluding Gen Z activists who toppled last year’s president.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who seized power after youth-led protests over water and power shortages, dismissed the prime minister and cabinet on March 9.
He appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison, a former police officer leading the anti-money-laundering agency since 2021, as the new head of government March 15.
Since then, both men have vetted potential ministers, requiring every candidate to submit to a lie detector test before approval.
The government announced Wednesday retains 17 ministers in their previous roles, including interior, economy, and justice, signalling continuity amid transition uncertainty.
New appointments include Alice N’Diaye, formerly of the Indian Ocean Commission, as foreign minister, and Radonirina Lucas Rabearimanga as energy minister.
Randrianirina said appointments relied on “new technologies to highlight integrity,” warning ministers will be immediately removed if corruption is reported.
The colonel rejected coup accusations, claiming the Constitutional Court lawfully transferred power from ex-president Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country last October.
He promised to return authority to civilians within two years, framing his government as a temporary safeguard against instability and corruption.
A transition roadmap released in February outlines national consultations in 2026, drafting a new constitution, and a presidential election by late 2027.