Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina Sworn In as Madagascar’s New President After Military Takeover

Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina was on Friday sworn in as Madagascar’s new president, following a dramatic military power shift that forced former president Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.

Randrianirina, who led the CAPSAT army unit that recently mutinied and joined anti-government protesters, took the oath of office at the Constitutional Court in the capital, Antananarivo, according to AFP reports.

“Today marks a historic turning point for our country,” the new president declared. “With a people in full fervor, driven by the desire for change and a deep love for their homeland, we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation.”

The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by the head of the Constitutional Court and attended by senior military officials, political leaders, and representatives of the Gen Z youth-led protest movement. Foreign delegations from the United States, European Union, Russia, and France were also present.

Randrianirina pledged to work with all national stakeholders to draft a new constitution and establish fresh electoral laws to guide future elections and referendums.

“We are committed to breaking with the past,” he said. “Our main mission is to thoroughly reform the country’s administrative, socio-economic, and political systems of governance.”

The transition follows weeks of protests demanding reform and an end to alleged corruption and mismanagement under Rajoelina’s administration.