Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s president on Friday, October 17, 2025, following a military coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina after weeks of youth-led protests over chronic electricity and water shortages and widespread poverty. The takeover has drawn international condemnation, including from the United Nations and African Union, which suspended Madagascar’s membership, while the new military-led council plans a transitional government for up to two years before elections.
The protests, largely driven by young people identifying as “Gen Z Madagascar,” began over three weeks ago, fueled by frustrations with unreliable public services and economic hardship. Demonstrators rallied against daily power outages and limited access to clean water, issues that have plagued the island nation for years. The movement gained critical momentum when military units, including Randrianirina’s Corps d’administration des personnels et des services administratifs et techniques (CAPSAT), mutinied and joined the protests, shifting the balance against Rajoelina’s government.
On Tuesday, the military announced it was seizing power, and parliament impeached Rajoelina in absentia after he fled the country, reportedly to Dubai via Reunion Island, citing fears for his safety. Randrianirina, who had been a commander in the elite army unit involved in the 2009 coup that initially brought Rajoelina to power, broke ranks with the president last week. His swift ascent highlights the volatile political landscape in Madagascar, where military interventions have occurred multiple times in recent decades.
The swearing-in ceremony formalized Randrianirina’s control, but it was met with immediate international backlash. The African Union’s suspension signals regional isolation, while the UN condemned the coup as a threat to democracy and stability. These actions could exacerbate Madagascar’s economic challenges, including its reliance on foreign aid and trade, and may lead to sanctions or reduced support from international partners.
Madagascar’s deep-seated issues underpinning the protests are stark: the country ranks among the bottom ten on the UN’s Human Development Index, with over 75% of its 30 million people living below the poverty line. Only about 36% of the population has access to electricity, and outages are common, worsening living conditions and hindering economic development. The youth-led demonstrations echoed global trends, with protesters demanding accountability and better governance in the face of persistent inequality.
Randrianirina has sought to reassure both domestic and international audiences by announcing that a presidential council composed of military and civilian members will oversee a transitional government. He emphasized that “Madagascar has not chosen a military regime” and that the government will remain civilian-led, with plans to hold elections within two years. However, skepticism remains high, as past transitions in Madagascar have been prolonged and fraught with instability.
Looking ahead, the new administration faces immense challenges in addressing the protesters’ demands, restoring basic services, and navigating international relations. The situation is fluid, with potential for further unrest or diplomatic efforts to mediate a return to civilian rule. The outcome will likely influence not only Madagascar’s future but also regional dynamics in Africa, where military takeovers have raised concerns about democratic backsliding.