Military Ruler Sworn in After Madagascar Gen Z Protests

Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been officially sworn in as President of Madagascar following a military takeover triggered by mass youth protests, marking a dramatic shift in leadership.

The inauguration took place at the High Constitutional Court after the army, through its elite CAPSAT unit, seized power amid weeks of demonstrations over chronic water and electricity shortages. The move followed the impeachment and departure of former President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country during the unrest.

Randrianirina pledged in his swearing-in ceremony: “I swear … to defend and strengthen national unity and human rights.” He announced that governance would be shared with a transitional military committee for up to two years before elections are reinstated.

Observers note that youth-led protests, dubbed “Gen Z Madagascar,” played a pivotal role in mobilizing against Rajoelina’s administration. Some protesters, however, voiced concern that the military’s move may co-opt their movement rather than deliver substantive reform.

International reactions were swift. The African Union suspended Madagascar’s membership, condemning the takeover as unconstitutional, and the UN Secretary-General called for the swift restoration of civilian rule.

This transition marks another in a string of military interventions in Africa amid popular unrest. The challenge now lies in whether Randrianirina’s regime can manage expectations from youth activists demanding accountability, economic relief, and genuine democracy.