ANTANANARIVO (Realist English). Until a few days ago, few in Madagascar had heard of Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the elite CAPSAT army unit. Today, he is the country’s new president — propelled to power after joining anti-government protests that toppled long-time leader Andry Rajoelina.
Randrianirina’s rapid rise began last Saturday, when his troops entered the capital and sided with thousands of demonstrators demanding Rajoelina’s resignation. Within hours, MPs voted to impeach the president, who then fled the city. Standing outside the empty presidential palace, Randrianirina declared that CAPSAT was taking control of the country.
The Constitutional Court later confirmed him as Madagascar’s new head of state, even as Rajoelina continued to claim legitimacy.
Born in 1974 in Sevohipoty, in the southern Androy region, Randrianirina previously served as governor of Androy from 2016 to 2018 and later commanded an infantry battalion in Toliara until 2022. A known critic of Rajoelina — who himself came to power through a coup in 2009 — Randrianirina was imprisoned without trial in 2023, accused of plotting a mutiny. He was released in February 2024 after public pressure from students, politicians, and fellow officers.
In an interview hours before assuming power, the 51-year-old described himself as “a servant of the people” — calm, confident, and devoutly Christian. Local journalist Rivonala Razafison called him “simple but tough,” “straightforward,” and “patriotic.”
Randrianirina has also been outspoken about Madagascar’s enduring post-colonial ties to France, rejecting the use of French during interviews and insisting on speaking Malagasy: “Why can’t I speak my language?” he asked.
At his swearing-in ceremony, the colonel exchanged his military fatigues for a dark suit, a presidential sash, and a star of office. “We are committed to breaking with the past,” he declared, promising reforms to address the grievances that fueled weeks of Gen Z-led protests over water and power shortages.
He announced that the military will govern jointly with civilians for up to two years before holding new elections and immediately ordered an investigation into the state-run electricity and water company.
For now, Madagascar’s new leader — sunglasses on, presidential sash in place — appears determined to project authority and momentum. “Our priority is social welfare,” he said. “We must restore hope to our people.”