Coup leader Randrianirina sworn in as Madagascar’s president

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led the recent military coup in Madagascar, has been sworn in as the country’s new president.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the High Constitutional Court in Antananarivo on Friday, October 17, 2025, amid fanfare from cheering crowds, blaring trumpets, and raised swords.

Randrianirina replaces former President Andry Rajoelina, who was impeached by lawmakers after fleeing abroad last weekend.

Rajoelina, currently in exile, has condemned the military takeover and insisted he remains the legitimate leader despite losing the backing of much of the security forces.

Both the African Union and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have denounced the coup, which followed weeks of youth-led “Gen Z” protests sparked by chronic power outages and water shortages.

During the ceremony, held in the court’s colonial-era red-brick building, Randrianirina pledged to uphold justice, national unity, and human rights.

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He said: “I will fully and justly fulfil the high responsibilities of my position as President of the Republic of Madagascar.

“I swear to exercise the power entrusted to me and dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity.”

While many young protesters celebrated Rajoelina’s ouster, some expressed reservations about the army’s rapid assumption of power.

“This is just a stage. Our aims haven’t been achieved,” said 18-year-old student Mioty Andrianambinintsoa, as dignitaries draped in Madagascar’s red, green, and white colours left the ceremony.

Another protester, Francko Ramananvarivo, told Reuters: “Our objective is to be led by a government that is close to the people. We are not there yet.”

Randrianirina announced that a military-led committee will govern alongside a transitional administration for up to two years, after which new elections are expected to be held.

The Star