Madagascar strongman sacks government after just 5 months

Madagascar Strongman Sacks Government After Just 5 Months

Military Leader Dissolves Cabinet Amid Political Turmoil

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the military leader and interim president of Madagascar, has dismissed his prime minister and disbanded the entire Cabinet. The decision came without specific reasons, though he assured that a new prime minister would be appointed “shortly.” This move marks the first major shakeup since Randrianirina took control five months ago, following widespread youth-led demonstrations against the previous administration in Antananarivo.

“The government is suspended from its duties,” declared a presidential spokesperson in a statement released late Monday. The official added that a replacement leader would be named “shortly,” but offered no timeline or justification for the sudden dismissals.

Randrianirina, who assumed power after the former president Andry Rajoelina fled last October, had initially selected Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, a private sector businessman, as prime minister. The Cabinet, sworn in on October 28, was a mix of civilian appointees, military representatives, and individuals critical of Rajoelina’s governance. The abrupt dissolution of this group raises questions about the stability of the new regime.

Protests against the Rajoelina government began in September, sparked by water and power shortages. These demonstrations quickly escalated into broader anti-government unrest, which the administration attempted to quell through force but ultimately failed to contain. Randrianirina has since positioned himself as the “President of the Refoundation of the Republic,” emphasizing a constitutional transfer of power rather than a traditional coup.

His vision includes a two-year transition period to address national challenges. “The main objectives of my term, which will last a maximum of two years, are to find concrete solutions for the people,” he stated during the government’s announcement. This phase also coincides with plans for constitutional reforms and a presidential election set for late 2027. In February, Randrianirina unveiled a roadmap for consultations on constitutional changes through 2026.

Meanwhile, the military leader has sought to strengthen international ties. Recent visits to Russia and France, including meetings with Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron, highlighted his focus on bolstering diplomatic relationships. French skepticism toward the Rajoelina regime had been a key driver of the protests, and Randrianirina aims to reframe the country’s alliance with Paris.

The announcement of the government’s collapse occurred just hours before the African Union Peace and Security Council convened its fourth session since October’s upheaval. Madagascar’s history of political instability is evident, with three previous coups since independence from France in 1960, including 1972, 1975, and 2009. The current crisis adds another chapter to this legacy of abrupt regime changes.