By Abiola Olawale
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the commander of an elite army unit, was officially sworn in as Madagascar’s interim president on Friday, October 17, 2025, marking the culmination of a whirlwind military takeover that ousted long-time leader Andry Rajoelina.
The swearing-in ceremony at the High Constitutional Court in Antananarivo unfolded under heavy security, with Randrianirina, dressed in a civilian suit rather than his military camouflage.
Presided over by the court’s chief justice, the 51-year-old colonel took the oath of office as “President for the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar,” vowing to address the nation’s deep-seated woes.
“Today marks a historic turning point for our country,” Randrianirina declared in a French-language address to a diverse audience that included military brass, Gen Z protest leaders, and diplomatic envoys from the United States, European Union, Russia, and France.
He promised change in the poverty-stricken island nation, where anger over chronic power cuts sparked protests last month that swiftly escalated into a mass movement.
“We will work hand in hand with all the driving forces of the nation to draft a fine constitution… and to agree on new electoral laws for the organisation of elections and referendums,” Randrianirina said.
“Our main mission is to thoroughly reform the country’s administrative, socio-economic, and political systems of governance,” he said, promising to consult young people before a new government is formed.
He also thanked the youth for spearheading the protests that ousted Rajoelina and said the army had intervened at the request of the top court to “avoid anarchy and disorder”.
