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Michael Randrianirina

Colonel Michael Randrianirina emerged as the interim president of Madagascar following a dramatic military takeover on October 14, 2025, that culminated weeks of youth-led protests against President Andry Rajoelina. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a senior officer in Madagascar's elite CAPSAT military unit, took control of the African island on 14 October 2025 after President Andry Rajoelina fled following weeks of youth-led Gen Z protests against his rule. The 51-year-old officer, once jailed for mutiny, has suspended key state institutions and said it could take up to two years to hold elections. Randrianirina said he was "taking the position of president" in an interview with AP at his barracks.

Randrianirina is part of Madagascar's elite military CAPSAT unit, the group that brought now-deposed president Andry Rajoelina to power in a 2009 coup. Since taking control, he suspended the country's institutions, including the Senate, electoral commission and top legal bodies such as the High Constitutional Court that validated his takeover as interim president. He said it might take up to two years to hold elections to transition back to a civilian government.

Randrianirina became a vocal critic of Rajoelina in recent years and was arrested on suspicion of instigating an army mutiny in November 2023, for which he was charged, brought before a court and sent to prison all on the same day. He was released in February 2024, after being given a suspended sentence for attacking state security, and returned to CAPSAT. On October 11, as the Gen Z protests against Rajoelina gathered steam, Randrianirina recorded a video in which he called on Madagascar's security forces to disobey orders to open fire on protesters. Some CAPSAT soldiers then joined the protests after that declaration of support.

Randrianirina was born in the village of Sevohipoty, in the region of Androy, on the southernmost tip of the Indian Ocean island. His exact date of his birth is not public knowledge, nor is his family background. He was governor of Androy between 2016 and 2018, later becoming head of an infantry battalion in the city of Toliara until 2022. Then he was promoted to a senior role in CAPSAT.

Randrianirina's military career began in regional administration, where he served as governor of the Androy region from 2016 to 2018 during the presidency of Hery Rajaonarimampianina. Following this administrative role, he transitioned into combat leadership, serving as commander of an infantry battalion in the coastal city of Toliara until July 2022. His advancement through military ranks eventually led him to a senior position within CAPSAT, the elite military unit whose full name is Corps d'administration des personnels et des services administratifs et techniques, which translates to the Army Personnel Administration Center. Though not a front-line combat unit, CAPSAT holds considerable influence within Madagascar's armed forces through its control of personnel management, administrative support, logistics, and technical services, making it a critical power center within the military establishment.

The colonel's relationship with President Rajoelina became increasingly strained in recent years, culminating in a dramatic arrest on November 27, 2023. Randrianirina was hastily detained and charged with instigating a military mutiny and attempting a coup d'état. The proceedings moved with extraordinary speed as he was brought before a court and sent to Tsiafahy prison on the same day of his arrest. However, he was released in February 2024 after receiving a suspended sentence for attacking state security, allowing him to return to his position within CAPSAT. This arrest and subsequent release would prove to be a prelude to the events that would unfold nearly a year later.

The catalyst for Madagascar's political crisis began on September 25, 2025, when protests erupted across the country over severe power and water shortages that had plagued the nation for years, with some residents in the capital Antananarivo reporting they had not had running water for six years despite continuing to pay for the service. These protests, organized under the banner of Gen Z Madagascar, quickly evolved from specific grievances about utilities into a broader movement demanding better governance and addressing widespread poverty, corruption, and lack of opportunities. The movement drew inspiration from similar youth-led uprisings that had successfully toppled governments in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya, Indonesia, and Peru. The protests gained momentum when civic groups, labor unions, and trade unionists joined the demonstrations, though participants insisted there was no single leader directing the movement.

The turning point in Madagascar's crisis came on October 11, 2025, when Randrianirina recorded a video calling on Madagascar's security forces to disobey orders to open fire on protesters. In his message, he urged soldiers to refuse to repress the population and to take responsibility for protecting citizens rather than following what he characterized as illegal orders. This call to action resonated throughout the military, and CAPSAT soldiers soon began joining the protests. On Saturday, October 12, Randrianirina and his troops from CAPSAT accompanied thousands of protesters to May 13th Square in the capital, where he publicly demanded the resignation of President Rajoelina and Prime Minister Ruphin Zafisambo, among other officials. During these demonstrations, CAPSAT forces exchanged gunfire with gendarmerie security forces that remained loyal to Rajoelina, resulting in the death of one CAPSAT soldier. However, there was no widespread street fighting, and crowds in Antananarivo cheered the soldiers as they rode through the capital on armored vehicles waving Madagascan flags.

Following CAPSAT's defection, the unit declared it had taken control of all armed forces in Madagascar and announced the appointment of General Demosthene Pikulas as the new chief of staff of the Malagasy Armed Forces, a decision that was accepted by Armed Forces Minister Manantsoa Deramasinjaka Rakotoarivelo. The gendarmerie, which had initially clashed with CAPSAT forces, subsequently joined the anti-government movement in a formal ceremony attended by senior government officials on October 13, 2025. Police forces also aligned themselves with the protesters, leaving Rajoelina increasingly isolated. In response to the military rebellion, Rajoelina went into hiding and later fled the country, reportedly departing on a French military aircraft from Sainte Marie Airport in northeastern Madagascar on October 12, though French President Emmanuel Macron refused to confirm France's involvement in the evacuation. In a video statement broadcast on the presidency's official Facebook page on October 13, Rajoelina claimed he had been forced to find a safe place to protect his life after facing assassination threats from what he described as a group of military personnel and politicians.

As the crisis reached its climax on October 14, 2025, Rajoelina attempted to avoid impeachment by issuing a decree to dissolve the National Assembly, but opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko declared the decree legally invalid because the president of the National Assembly, Justin Tokely, had not been consulted as required. The lawmakers proceeded with their session, and the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach Rajoelina with 130 votes in favor and one blank ballot on charges of abandoning his post and engaging in activities deemed incompatible with presidential duties. Minutes after the impeachment vote, Randrianirina stood with other soldiers on the steps of a ceremonial presidential palace in Antananarivo and announced that the armed forces had taken power. He declared that the military was dissolving all institutions except the lower house of parliament and stated that the military would form a council composed of officers from the army and the gendarmerie. Crowds gathered outside cheered and celebrated the announcement, with many protesters viewing the military intervention as a popular revolution rather than a coup.

Madagascar's High Constitutional Court subsequently declared the presidential office vacant, citing Article 53 of the Constitution, which states that President Rajoelina could not fulfill his duties because he was not and could not be in the country, amounting to passive abandonment of power. The court invited Randrianirina to exercise the functions of head of state and mandated that elections be held within 60 days of its decision. In an interview with the Associated Press on October 15, 2025, Randrianirina confirmed he was taking the position of president and expected to be sworn in within days. He indicated that a committee led by the military would rule the country for a period of up to two years alongside a transitional government before organizing new elections, explaining that the extended timeline was necessary to address the profound crisis facing the nation. The colonel told reporters that the military leadership was accelerating the appointment of a new prime minister to ensure the crisis would not persist indefinitely.

The protests that propelled Randrianirina to power had a heavy human cost, with the United Nations reporting that at least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured since demonstrations began, though the Madagascan government disputed these figures. The movement exposed deep frustrations in one of the world's poorest nations, where only a third of the population had access to electricity and blackouts routinely exceed eight hours a day. Madagascar's population of approximately 31 million people had an average age of less than 20, and three-quarters of the population lives in poverty. The protests featured some unusual elements, including demonstrators carrying the Jolly Roger flag of the Straw Hat Pirates from the manga series One Piece alongside Madagascan flags, and crowds denouncing Rajoelina as a French stooge over his dual citizenship and perceived support from Paris.

Randrianirina's relationship with CAPSAT and his role in Madagascar's political landscape is particularly significant given the unit's history. CAPSAT played a major role in the 2009 military-backed coup that first brought Andry Rajoelina to power, ousting President Marc Ravalomanana. Rajoelina, a former mayor of Antananarivo, had positioned himself as a reformist and led a transitional government until 2014 before stepping aside to restore constitutional order. He won the presidency in the 2018 election and secured a second term in 2023 in a vote marred by boycotts and allegations of unfair practices. The fact that the same elite military unit that brought Rajoelina to power sixteen years earlier ultimately turned against him and facilitated his removal adds a layer of historical irony to Madagascar's latest political crisis. Randrianirina had consistently maintained that the military's actions did not constitute a coup but rather represented a response to the people's calls for change, though international observers and organizations have expressed varying perspectives on the constitutional legitimacy of the transition.

The international community's response to the takeover had been mixed. Air France and Emirates suspended all flights to Madagascar in response to the crisis, with Air France suspending service until October 17 and Emirates indefinitely. The United Kingdom advised against all but essential travel to Madagascar. The United Nations expressed concern about any unconstitutional change of power while awaiting clarity on the situation. The Southern African Development Community, which Rajoelina had been leading, expressed alarm over reports of an attempted coup d'état. Human Rights Watch called on military leaders to respect and protect the rights of all Malagasy people following the power change. The United States Embassy in Madagascar advised American citizens to shelter in place due to what it characterized as a highly volatile and unpredictable situation. Meanwhile, many ordinary Madagascans welcomed the change, with protesters telling journalists they felt relieved and even thrilled by Rajoelina's removal from office, expressing hope that the military leadership under Randrianirina could guide the country toward better governance and eventual restoration of democratic civilian rule.

Madagascar had experienced chronic political instability since gaining independence from France in 1960, with a history that includes multiple coups, disputed elections, and assassinations. As the world's biggest vanilla producer and a nation known for its unique biodiversity due to geographic isolation as an island in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar had nevertheless struggled to translate its natural resources into prosperity for its citizens. Political analyst Rose Mumanya noted that while Rajoelina had attempted to place loyalists in other military units to prevent a repeat of history, CAPSAT remained independent of his influence, ultimately posing the existential threat to his rule that he had feared. The current crisis represents the most significant unrest the country had faced since Rajoelina's own rise to power in 2009, and Colonel Michael Randrianirina now faces the formidable challenge of stewarding Madagascar through a transitional period while addressing the deep-seated economic, infrastructure, and governance problems that sparked the uprising in the first place.

Background and Early Life

Michael Randrianirina was born in the village of Sevohipoty in the Androy region of southern Madagascar, Randrianirina is approximately 51 years old, though his exact birth date and family background remain largely unknown to the public. His rise to national prominence represents one of the most significant political upheavals in Madagascar since the country gained independence from France in 1960.

The Androy region where Randrianirina was born is located on the southernmost tip of Madagascar, an area known for its harsh climate and distinct cultural identity. However, information about his specific ethnic group affiliation within the Androy region, his tribal connections, and his family lineage is not publicly available. While the Androy region is primarily inhabited by the Antandroy people, one of Madagascar's approximately eighteen to twenty recognized ethnic groups, there is no confirmed public information about Randrianirina's specific ethnic identification or tribal affiliations.

Information about Colonel Randrianirina's marital status, whether he had a wife or children, and details about his immediate family is not publicly available. Unlike many political and military figures whose family lives become matters of public record, Randrianirina had maintained a notably private personal life, and no credible sources have reported on his family circumstances. Similarly, information about his personality traits, personal interests, hobbies, religious affiliation, or personal beliefs had not been disclosed in any available public sources.

While specific information about which languages Colonel Randrianirina speaks fluently had not been publicly confirmed, it can be reasonably inferred based on Madagascar's linguistic environment and his professional background. Madagascar had two official languages: Malagasy and French. Malagasy is spoken by approximately 25 million people across the island and serves as the primary language for most Madagascans, while French functions as the language of government, education, and international communication, spoken by approximately 8.5 million people, or about one-quarter of the population.

Given that Randrianirina served as governor of the Androy region from 2016 to 2018, commanded military units, and had made public addresses to both protesters and the nation, it is highly probable that he speaks both Malagasy and French. His position in the elite CAPSAT military unit and his role in government would have required proficiency in French for official communications and military operations. However, there is no publicly available information confirming whether he speaks English or any other foreign languages, nor is there information about his fluency levels in any specific language.

Information regarding Colonel Randrianirina's foreign travel experience, international education, or overseas military training is not available in public sources. There are no confirmed reports of foreign visits, study abroad programs, or international military cooperation activities in which he personally participated, though it should be noted that Madagascar's military had historically maintained training relationships with various countries including France, China, and other nations.

Regarding his views on foreign policy and relationships with major powers such as the United States, France, China, and Russia, no public statements or policy positions attributed to Colonel Randrianirina have been reported. Since assuming interim leadership on October 14, 2025, he had not made any public declarations about Madagascar's foreign policy direction, international alliances, or his personal views on relationships with specific countries. The new military leadership under Randrianirina had focused primarily on domestic matters, including the formation of a transitional government and the promise to hold elections within 60 days to two years.

Russia did issue a statement expressing concern over Madagascar's political crisis and calling for restraint to avoid bloodshed, taking what analysts described as a neutral stance aimed at protecting diplomatic interests. However, there is no indication of Randrianirina's response to or views on Russia's position. France's role had been controversial, as President Rajoelina reportedly fled Madagascar on a French military aircraft, though French President Emmanuel Macron refused to confirm France's involvement. During the protests, demonstrators denounced Rajoelina as a French stooge due to his dual citizenship, but Randrianirina had not publicly articulated his own position on Madagascar-France relations.

Detailed information about Colonel Randrianirina's personality traits, leadership style, personal strengths, and weaknesses is extremely limited in available sources. Unlike political leaders whose personalities are extensively analyzed through years of public service, Randrianirina emerged suddenly onto the national stage from a military background where personal characteristics are less frequently documented or discussed publicly.

Based solely on his documented actions during the October 2025 crisis, certain behavioral patterns can be observed, though these should not be interpreted as comprehensive personality assessments. On October 11, Randrianirina recorded a video calling on Madagascar's security forces to disobey orders to open fire on protesters, demonstrating a willingness to break with military hierarchy and align with popular movements. This action suggests a capacity for independent judgment and willingness to take significant personal risks, as evidenced by his previous arrest and imprisonment in November 2023 for allegedly instigating mutiny.

His public statements during the takeover have been measured and focused on reassuring the population about a transition to civilian government. When addressing crowds at May 13th Square, he asked protesters, "Are you ready to accept a military takeover?" drawing cheers from the assembled demonstrators, suggesting an ability to gauge public sentiment and communicate with mass audiences. He had consistently maintained that the military's actions constitute a response to the people's calls rather than a coup, indicating awareness of how the takeover is perceived both domestically and internationally.

However, without access to interviews, biographical accounts, or assessments from colleagues and subordinates, it is impossible to provide an authoritative analysis of his core personality traits, decision-making processes, interpersonal skills, emotional temperament, or psychological characteristics. Information about his management style as governor of Androy, his relationships with fellow officers, his reputation among troops under his command, or his approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution is not available in public sources.

Randrianirina's military career began in regional administration, where he served as governor of the Androy region from 2016 to 2018 during the presidency of Hery Rajaonarimampianina. Following this administrative role, he transitioned into combat leadership, serving as commander of an infantry battalion in the coastal city of Toliara until July 2022. His advancement through military ranks eventually led him to a senior position within CAPSAT, the elite military unit whose full name is Corps d'administration des personnels et des services administratifs et techniques, which translates to the Army Personnel Administration Center. Though not a front-line combat unit, CAPSAT holds considerable influence within Madagascar's armed forces through its control of personnel management, administrative support, logistics, and technical services, making it a critical power center within the military establishment.

The colonel's relationship with President Rajoelina became increasingly strained in recent years, culminating in a dramatic arrest on November 27, 2023. Randrianirina was hastily detained and charged with instigating a military mutiny and attempting a coup d'état. The proceedings moved with extraordinary speed as he was brought before a court and sent to Tsiafahy prison on the same day of his arrest. However, he was released in February 2024 after receiving a suspended sentence for attacking state security, allowing him to return to his position within CAPSAT. This arrest and subsequent release would prove to be a prelude to the events that would unfold nearly a year later.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina faced the formidable challenge of stewarding Madagascar through a transitional period while addressing deep-seated economic, infrastructure, and governance problems. The protests that propelled him to power had a heavy human cost, with the United Nations reporting that at least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured since demonstrations began. The movement exposed deep frustrations in one of the world's poorest nations, where only a third of the population had access to electricity and blackouts routinely exceed eight hours a day.

The international community's response to the takeover had been mixed. Air France and Emirates suspended flights to Madagascar, while the United Nations expressed concern about unconstitutional changes of power. The Southern African Development Community expressed alarm over reports of an attempted coup, while Human Rights Watch called on military leaders to respect the rights of all Malagasy people. Meanwhile, many ordinary Madagascans welcomed the change, with protesters expressing hope that military leadership under Randrianirina could guide the country toward better governance.

Randrianirina had not articulated comprehensive policy positions on economic development, international relations, democratic reforms, or specific plans for addressing Madagascar's infrastructure crisis. His stated priorities have focused on forming a transitional government and organizing future elections, but detailed policy platforms, governing philosophy, or long-term vision for Madagascar's development have not been publicly presented. How he will navigate Madagascar's complex political landscape, manage relationships with international partners, address economic challenges, and ultimately transition power to civilian leadership remains to be seen.