Madagascar Swears In Interim President After Military Ouster, Condemns African Union
Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s interim president on Friday, following a military takeover that ended Andry Rajoelina’s 16-year rule. The move comes after weeks of youth-led protests over infrastructure failures and corruption.
The swearing-in ceremony at the Constitutional Court in Antananarivo was attended by large crowds, including leaders of the “Gen Z Madagascar” protest movement. The country’s High Constitutional Court has ratified the transition, which will see a military council oversee a period of reforms, the drafting of a new constitution, and the organization of elections within 18 to 24 months.
In his address, Colonel Randrianirina pledged a definitive break from the past, stating, “We are determined to break from the past. Our main goal is to deeply reform the country’s administration, socio-economic systems, and governance.” His key priorities include overhauling the electoral commission, cleaning up the national voters’ register, and organizing credible elections to restore trust.
The African Union (AU) responded to the military-backed change in power by suspending Madagascar’s membership. This action drew a sharp and defiant rebuke from the new president.
“We do not wish to remain part of an organization that prioritizes membership over genuine care,” Randrianirina stated. “We reject a system controlled by France, which allows the people of Madagascar to suffer while our wealth enriches French oligarchs. Madagascar is forging a new path to freedom, and we need fresh air to ensure our survival!”
The statement signals a significant foreign policy shift and underscores the deep-seated frustrations that fueled the recent unrest. As the new interim administration begins its work, it faces the dual challenge of implementing promised reforms while navigating international isolation.
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