Madagascar military leader to become transitional president
Jenipher Camino Gonzalez with AFP, Reuters
October 16, 2025
Protests against ousted president Andry Rajoelinaand were led by youth groups calling themselves "Gen Z Madagascar." Colonel Michael Randrianirina now plans to rule the country for 18-24 months.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina said the army took over because 'the country was on the brink of collapse'Image: Brian Inganga/AP Photo/dpa/picture alliance
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Madagascar's Colonel Michael Randrianirina is set to be sworn in as the country's transitional president on Friday.
Randrianirina and the transitional government have pledged to hold elections in 18 to 24 months, telling local media that consultations were under way to appoint a prime minister and form a new government.
It all comes after Randrianirina announced on Tuesday that the armed forces were taking power of the country, following the impeachment of former president Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country.
Protests against Rajoelina and his government, led by youth groups calling themselves "Gen Z Madagascar," had rocked the country for weeks prior to the military takeover.
Military says it's seized power in Madagascar
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"It wasn't a coup, it was a case of taking responsibility because the country was on the brink of collapse," Randrianirina said.
He confirmed that the military had taken power and dissolved all institutions except the lower house of parliament, or National Assembly.
Randrianirina was a commander in the elite CAPSAT military unit that played a key role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power in the first place.
Madagascar expelled from African Union
The international community has expressed concern over the swift change in power in the poor island nation.
The African Union said on Wednesday it was suspending Madagascar "with immediate effect" from the bloc.
Meanwhile, the UN said it was "deeply concerned by the unconstitutional change of power."
Madagascar Gen Z protests in pictures
Thousands of young people have been protesting against the government of the East African island nation for weeks. Power outages and water shortages sparked the protest, but now this generation is fighting for more.
Image: Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images
Madagascar's government under pressure
Since September 25, 2025, thousands of people have taken to the streets in Madagascar's capital. The protest movement, known as Gen Z, is demonstrating against corruption and mismanagement. It is calling for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina and the dissolution of the Senate, the Constitutional Court, and the Electoral Commission.
Image: Rijasolo/AFP/Getty Images
Gen Z's outrage and frustration
Many of the protesters are under 30 years old and organize the protests via social media. The protests were triggered by regular power outages lasting more than 12 hours a day and problems with the water supply. "There are about 120 hours of power cuts per week where I live," reports a 21-year-old protester. "We are protesting for everyone's sake."
Image: LUIS TATO/AFP/Getty Images
Police crackdown
Security forces are cracking down hard on the demonstrators. They are using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. In response to the ongoing protests, President Rajoelina dismissed his entire government. He then appointed General Ruphin Fortunat Dimbisoa Zafisambo as prime minister. However, the protest movement is still not satisfied.
Image: Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images
Deaths and injuries amid violent clashes
In Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, demonstrators carry an injured person to safety. The United Nations says at least 22 people have been killed in the protests, with more than 100 injured. The world organization condemns the harsh security clampdown, especially the use of live ammunition. Local authorities dispute the UN figures.
Image: Rijasolo/AFP/Getty Images
symbol of protest
The pirate flag with a straw hat, the symbol of the protest movement, is borrowed from the Japanese manga comic "One Piece". Demonstrators from Gen Z around the world are using the flag in protests in Nepal, Indonesia, Peru, and France, among other places.
Image: RIJASOLO/AFP/Getty Images
Gen Z garners local support
More than three quarters of Madagascar's nearly 33 million inhabitants live below the poverty line. Human rights activist Ketakandriana Rafitoson sees strong support for the protest movement among the general population.
Image: Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images
Fighting for a new social contract
Wearing protective goggles and gloves, a demonstrator throws a tear gas canister back toward the security forces. The protest movement has so far been unimpressed by the appointment of the new prime minister. Activist Rafitoson says the younger generation is fighting for "a new social contract in which the state serves the people — not the interests of the elite."
Image: Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images
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France, former colonial ruler in Madagascar, urged in a statement that it was "now essential that democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law be scrupulously upheld."
A spokesman for the German foreign ministry said all actors needed to "act with caution in this currently somewhat confusing situation."
