Madagascar’s coup leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has appointed businessman and banker Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the country’s new prime minister.
The announcement came on Monday, just days after Randrianirina was sworn in as president, following a military takeover that toppled former leader Andry Rajoelina amid massive youth-led protests.
Explaining his choice, Randrianirina said he picked Rajaonarivelo because of his experience and “connection with international organisations that work with us.” Rajaonarivelo replaces Ruphin Zafisambo, who had been appointed by Rajoelina only two weeks earlier.
Rajaonarivelo is a well-known figure in Madagascar’s financial sector, having led BNI (Banque nationale de l’industrie), one of the country’s major banks.
Former president Rajoelina has condemned the army takeover and refused to step down while in exile. Lawmakers later impeached him after he fled abroad, citing threats to his life.
The coup follows weeks of Gen Z-led demonstrations that began in September over water and power shortages but soon escalated into nationwide protests against what many described as failed leadership.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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