A military figure, Michael Randrianirina, assumed the presidency of Madagascar on 17 October 2025 following a swift power-grab that deposed President Andry Rajoelina.
The takeover comes amid widespread youth protests and escalating public anger over utility failures, corruption and economic stagnation.
Speaking at his inauguration at the country’s top constitutional body, Randrianirina pledged to lead a transitional administration for up to two years before new presidential elections are held.
“Today marks a turning-point for our nation, for the Malagasy people themselves are thirsting for profound change in the way our country is governed,” he declared.
Coup Background and Public Unrest
The event followed three weeks of demonstrations principally led by younger citizens, often dubbed the “Gen Z” movement, who took to the streets of the capital Antananarivo to protest frequent power-cuts, water-supply shortages and lack of economic opportunity. At least 22 people are reported to have died in the unrest.
On 14 October, the elite military unit CAPSAT, under Randrianirina’s command, declared it was assuming control of the government, after the parliament moved to impeach Rajoelina and the latter left the country.
The country’s African Union immediately suspended Madagascar’s membership, and the United Nations labelled the change of power “an unconstitutional change of government”.
Transition Plans and Institutional Changes
Immediately following his swearing-in, Randrianirina announced that his regime would be overseen by a military-led council for a period of 18 to 24 months while a civilian government is prepared and elections organised.
He said the priority was to rebuild governance, restore public service delivery and break with the “harmful practices of the past”.
Most principal institutions of the state, including the Senate, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the High Court of Justice, have been suspended or restructured under the new arrangement.
Analysts warn that while the promise of elections is clear, the control of the military over the transition raises questions about how free and fair those elections will be.
Youth Movement’s Response and Broader Implications
The youth-led protests that sparked the crisis initially cheered the military intervention as a corrective to the stagnation under Rajoelina.
However, several Gen Z leaders now caution that their movement risks being co-opted by the new military leadership. “We may have been used to legitimise this takeover,” one youth representative told Le Monde.
Senior foreign diplomats at the inauguration signalled cautious engagement, yet many remain critical of the overall process.
The shift echoes a wave of military seizing power in former French African colonies in recent years, and raises concerns about democratic back-sliding across the region.
Local Relevance and Economic Context
Madagascar, a country of approximately 30 million people, is among the poorest in the world, despite abundant biodiversity and natural resources. Per-capita income hovers around US $600, while public services have long been inadequate.
The uprising underscores a mounting impatience among younger generations over chronic economic decline and governmental neglect.
For Antananarivo residents and communities across the island, the new government’s ability to restore water and electricity access, revamp rice production and rebuild trust will be key indicators of whether this change yields meaningful improvement rather than perpetuating a cycle of elite governance.
Outlook
As the military-led administration begins its transition period, all eyes will be on whether a viable roadmap to elections materialises, and whether civilian participation in governance truly expands.
The promise of elections “within two years” is a clear benchmark, yet the structural dominance of the armed forces will likely shape Madagascar’s trajectory in the interim.
For now, Randrianirina’s tenure opens a new chapter in Madagascar’s political history, but one where expectations among the young and disenfranchised will be a powerful force to monitor.
Sources: Reuters, Africanews
