Madagascar

Madagascar: Coup Leader Names New Prime Minister

Published OCT 21 2025

Story

Above: Michael Randrianirina at the High Constitutional Court building in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Oct. 17, 2025. Image credit: Rafalia Henitsoa/Anadolu/Getty Images

The Facts

Colonel Michael Randrianirina appointed businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as Madagascar's new Prime Minister on Monday, citing his experience and international connections with organizations that collaborate with the country.
Africanews
Reuters
Rajaonarivelo, a trained economist and former chairman of BNI Madagascar Bank, has worked with institutions including the World Bank, U.N. Development Program and African Development Bank throughout his career as an international consultant.
AA
XINHUA
He replaces Ruphin Zafisambo, who was appointed by former president Andry Rajoelina just two weeks before the military takeover that forced Rajoelina to flee the country before being impeached by lawmakers. Rajoelina condemned the coup and refused to step down.
Africanews
France 24
Randrianirina stated the new Prime Minister's appointment followed constitutional guidelines and consultations with the National Assembly, as the administration seeks to maintain international partnerships.
TRT Afrika
Le Monde
This comes after Randrianirina was sworn in as president on Friday after he led the CAPSAT military unit in supporting youth-led protests that began in September over water and electricity shortages. Twenty-two people have been reportedly killed, and more than 100 others were injured.
Reuters
Al Jazeera
Randrianirina said his government would be a civilian, inclusive transitional government, adding that the transition aims to restore democratic order and stability. The administration is set to share power with the military for up to two years before general elections.
Ecofin Agency
The Street Journal

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Madagascar's military takeover is a legitimate response to decades of French neo-colonial exploitation and corrupt governance. The youth-led protests exposed how France continues to plunder Madagascar's resources while keeping the population impoverished through colonial economic structures that export raw materials and import expensive finished goods.

News.az

IOL

Narrative B

The military coup hijacked a genuine youth movement demanding basic services like water and electricity. Young activists who risked their lives protesting corruption now find themselves sidelined by Colonel Randrianirina, who promises consultation but makes unilateral decisions about Madagascar's future.

guardian

Barlaman Today

Narrative C

The coup in Madagascar is an illegal seizure of power that defies the Constitution and the Lomé Declaration. By ousting President Rajoelina through military force, the army has plunged the nation into turmoil. The African Union's suspension is justified—and the appointment of the new Prime Minister is null and void.