Madagascar’s interim leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has dissolved the government and dismissed Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, announcing a new premier would be appointed shortly. The move, announced late Monday, suspends the entire cabinet from its duties, though no reason was provided.
This action comes just five months after Randrianirina assumed power following youth-led protests against the former government of President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country in October. Randrianirina, who rejects the term “coup,” styles himself as President of the Refoundation of the Republic. He claims the Constitutional Court transferred authority to him and has promised a two-year transition culminating in presidential elections, which he recently scheduled for late 2027.
The dismissed cabinet, sworn in on October 28, had included a mix of civilian ministers, military officials, and some critics of Rajoelina. Its dissolution marks a significant consolidation of power by the military leader, who had previously outlined goals of finding “concrete solutions for the people” and initiated a consultative process on constitutional reform.
The announcement coincides with heightened international engagement. In February, Randrianirina visited both Russia, where he spoke of a “new era of cooperation” with Vladimir Putin, and France, Madagascar’s former colonial ruler, seeking a “renewed but balanced” partnership—a key issue in the protests that ousted Rajoelina.
Monday’s decision also precedes a meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, the fourth session dedicated to Madagascar since the political upheaval began. The AU has previously called for a swift return to constitutional order.
Madagascar’s modern history is punctuated by instability, having experienced three prior coups since independence from France in 1960—in 1972, 1975, and 2009. Randrianirina’s actions and the dissolution of the government he appointed raise further questions about the timeline and credibility of the promised transition to democratic elections. The appointment of a new prime minister will be the first test of his stated commitment to forming a government ahead of the long-planned electoral process.
