Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina was officially sworn in as the president of Madagascar on Friday, just days after leading a military-led ousting of former president Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country amid the upheaval.
Randrianirina, commander of the CAPSAT military unit that broke ranks and sided with anti-government demonstrators over the weekend, took the presidential oath during a formal ceremony at the nation’s highest court in Antananarivo, witnessed by AFP journalists.
“Today marks a historic turning point for our country,” he declared. “With the people united in their desire for change and driven by a deep love for Madagascar, we are opening a new chapter in our national story.”
The swearing-in was overseen by the head of the constitutional court and attended by high-ranking military officials, political figures, and representatives of the youth-led protest movement that played a key role in the uprising. Delegates from the United States, European Union, Russia, and France were also present.
Randrianirina pledged to work alongside civil society and political forces to draft a new constitution and reform electoral laws in preparation for future elections and referendums.
“We are committed to breaking with the past,” he said. “Our core mission is to fundamentally reform the country’s administrative, socio-economic, and political systems.”
He also expressed gratitude to the youth movement, particularly members of Generation Z, for their role in driving the protests that led to the transition of power.
