Madagascar's New Prime Minister Named After Military Coup
A military coup that saw the ouster of former President Andry Rajoelina, who fled abroad amid nationwide protests, has led to a new prime minister in Madagascar. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who seized power last week after Gen Z-driven protests forced Rajoelina out of the country, appointed businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the new prime minister.
Rajaonarivelo was chosen for his experience and "connections with international organisations that work with us," according to Randrianirina. The move has been met with condemnation from the United Nations and African Union, which suspended Madagascar's membership over the military takeover.
The coup has also led to a rift between Rajoelina, who is currently in exile, and his successor. Rajoelina condemned the army takeover and refused to step down despite defections in the security forces. He has denied reports that he resigned, calling them "lies" spread by his opponents.
Rajaonarivelo's appointment comes after a series of protests sparked by the country's worsening economic crisis, including persistent water and power cuts. The Gen Z Madagascar youth movement, which led the protests, initially focused on these issues before expanding into calls for systemic change.
Randrianirina's rise to power was swift, with his soldiers joining the anti-government demonstrations and emerging as leaders of the uprising. His appearance in an armoured car during the protests cemented his position as the leader of the takeover.
The High Constitutional Court ratified the takeover just hours after it happened, further solidifying Randrianirina's control over the government. The appointment of Rajaonarivelo as prime minister marks a new chapter in Madagascar's ongoing crisis, with the country facing significant challenges ahead.
A military coup that saw the ouster of former President Andry Rajoelina, who fled abroad amid nationwide protests, has led to a new prime minister in Madagascar. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who seized power last week after Gen Z-driven protests forced Rajoelina out of the country, appointed businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the new prime minister.
Rajaonarivelo was chosen for his experience and "connections with international organisations that work with us," according to Randrianirina. The move has been met with condemnation from the United Nations and African Union, which suspended Madagascar's membership over the military takeover.
The coup has also led to a rift between Rajoelina, who is currently in exile, and his successor. Rajoelina condemned the army takeover and refused to step down despite defections in the security forces. He has denied reports that he resigned, calling them "lies" spread by his opponents.
Rajaonarivelo's appointment comes after a series of protests sparked by the country's worsening economic crisis, including persistent water and power cuts. The Gen Z Madagascar youth movement, which led the protests, initially focused on these issues before expanding into calls for systemic change.
Randrianirina's rise to power was swift, with his soldiers joining the anti-government demonstrations and emerging as leaders of the uprising. His appearance in an armoured car during the protests cemented his position as the leader of the takeover.
The High Constitutional Court ratified the takeover just hours after it happened, further solidifying Randrianirina's control over the government. The appointment of Rajaonarivelo as prime minister marks a new chapter in Madagascar's ongoing crisis, with the country facing significant challenges ahead.
what's next? sending troops to restore democracy in every African country? 
and btw, who does this Gen Z kid think he is leading a revolution like that's his first time on the battlefield 
all these protests over water cuts... sounds like a bunch of entitled brats to me 
You won't believe what's happening in Madagascar right now... they've got a new PM named after some military coup and I'm just shook 
. It's like they're saying 'enough is enough' about the economic situation and stuff. The fact that Gen Z youth led the protests shows me they're not afraid to speak up and demand change. But on the other hand, it's also kinda worrying that the military took over like that... I mean, what if they don't actually care about fixing the economy? 
. Like, I get that people are mad about their economy and stuff, but a military coup just seems super extreme 
. Col Colonel Randrianirina and Gen Z Madagascar youth movement seem like they're trying to fix things, but in a really forceful way 
. It's gonna be hard for them to make progress with the UN and AU condemning them 
. I hope Rajaonarivelo can bring some stability and work on those economic issues that are stressing people out 
. Can't we all just, like, talk things through instead of taking up arms? 
. they're basically passing on the baton to some businessman who doesn't even have any political experience 
i guess only time will tell if this whole thing is just a big mess 
instead of resorting to violence and coups. and now they're suspending africa's membership at the un? that's just drama 
i mean, what's the real story here? how much does randrianirina owe to these international orgs?
? And Colonel Michael Randrianirina's rise to power was kinda rushed, don't you think? I mean, Gen Z youth movement on their side and all, but still... 
It feels like they just swept everything under the rug and appointed whoever they wanted. Not exactly the most democratic way to govern, if you ask me 
! You can't blame him for that.
. We need to figure out a way to address the real problems, like Madagascar's economic crisis and water power cuts, without resorting to military takeovers 
. I mean, Gen Z youth movement just wanted some changes and solutions to their economic issues, but they got taken over by the army 
. It's like, what happened to all that 'democracy' stuff? 
. Can't help but wonder what the international community can do to help the situation 
.
. We need some real systemic change around here, not just more of the same old backroom deals and puppet governments 
and whats with the international organizations suspending madagascar's membership over this takeover? seems like they should be supporting them in finding a peaceful resolution instead of punishing them 
. First, the protests were about economic problems and stuff, but then it escalated into military takeovers and arrests 
. But I do think we should be careful not to jump into conclusions or support one side or the other 
. It's like when you try to take a selfie with friends and it doesn't turn out as expected 
- you gotta know what happened before you start judging 
.
. Maybe someone from the world of business, like Rajaonarivelo, can bring some stability back to this country 
? But it's hard to say for sure 
.
️? then there's this new guy Rajaonarivelo who's all about connections with international orgs... sounds kinda fishy to me 
. what's the deal with Gen Z driving the protests? i mean i get it they wanna better water and power, but systemic change? that sounds like a lot of work 
The fact that Randrianirina's rise to power was swift and decisive suggests he's not afraid to take charge, but it also raises questions about accountability and the rule of law.
Perhaps the new government can use this opportunity to implement some much-needed reforms and rebuild trust with the citizens. Fingers crossed! 
Colonel dude just seized power after Andry Rajoelina fled & now he's appointed some businessman Herintsalama as PM? 
. Col Randrianirina's rise to power was swift tho 
! 
[GIF of a clock ticking] Time to get this story straight, guys. Coup, new PM, protests, and more drama...
[Image of a person sleeping] Madagascar, can you just get some rest? This story is getting old! 
. And now they're talking about appointing some businessman as prime minister... I just don't get it 
. the military takeover has led to international condemnation and a rift between the old president and his successor. it's also sparked protests over the economic crisis. i'm not sure what the future holds for madagascar