Madagascar coup leader names businessman as new prime minister

Madagascar's new military ruler in Madagascar, 17 October, 2025
Reuters

Madagascar’s coup leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who seized power earlier this month, appointed businessman and consultant Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the country’s new prime minister on Monday.

Randrianirina was sworn in as president on Friday, just days after taking control following youth-led demonstrations that forced his predecessor from office.

Explaining his decision, the new president said Rajaonarivelo was chosen for his experience and his “connections with the international organisations that work with us.”

Former leader Andry Rajoelina, who was impeached by lawmakers after fleeing abroad last weekend, has denounced the military takeover and continues to claim legitimacy while in exile, despite defections within the security forces and the High Constitutional Court formally endorsing the power shift within hours of the coup.

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