Abidjan, October 15, 2025 (AIP) – Colonel Michael Randrianirina, 51, has been appointed to serve as head of state of Madagascar by the High Constitutional Court (HCC), following the collapse of the Andry Rajoelina governance and a resulting power vacuum.
The former governor of the Androy region (South) gained prominence for his outspoken criticism of the previous president and, more recently, for a widely circulated appeal on october 11th urging security forces “not to shoot at the demonstrators.” This message ignited widespread protests that ultimately led to Rajoelina’s removal from power.
Colonel Randrianirina was previously detained from November 2023 to February 2024 on charges of “incitement to mutiny” and received a suspended sentence for “endangering state security.” He quickly emerged as a key figurehead for both military and civilian opposition groups.
In his inaugural address, Randrianirina announced the “suspension of the Constitution” and declared he was “taking power in the name of the people,” citing “the continued trampling of the fundamental law and widespread corruption.”
the new leader has pledged to establish a civilian government quickly and to hold elections within 18 to 24 months. A primary challenge facing his administration will be securing international recognition of the transition to avoid potential cuts to vital external funding.
(AIP)
eaa/cmas
