ANTANANARIVO—Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the military officer who seized power in Madagascar last week, has appointed a prominent businessman, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, as the nation's new prime minister. The move, announced on Monday, October 20, 2025, just three days after Randrianirina was sworn in as president, signals an effort by the new leadership to form a civilian-led transitional government and address international concerns following the military takeover.
A Choice for International Legitimacy
Colonel Randrianirina, the former commander of the elite CAPSAT military unit who was propelled to the presidency following youth-led protests against chronic shortages and corruption, cited Rajaonarivelo's extensive experience and international connections as the key reasons for his appointment.
Rajaonarivelo is a seasoned corporate leader and economist. His background includes serving as the former chairman of the Malagasy employers' association and the board of directors for a major Malagasy bank, BNI Madagascar. He has also worked as an international consultant for various global bodies, including the World Bank and the European Union.
The choice of a civilian with strong ties to the private sector and international organizations is widely viewed as a strategic attempt by Colonel Randrianirina to gain a degree of legitimacy, reassure international donors, and mitigate the diplomatic isolation that often follows a military coup. The African Union had previously suspended Madagascar's membership following the power grab.
Transition After Weeks of Turmoil
The appointment comes after weeks of turmoil in the island nation. Anti-government demonstrations, spearheaded by youth groups protesting high costs of living and chronic infrastructure failures like power and water cuts, culminated in the military—led by then-Colonel Randrianirina—joining the protests and forcing former President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.
Randrianirina was officially sworn in as president on Friday, October 17, and has promised a transition period of up to two years before new elections can be held. He affirmed that the new government, which will include other main stakeholders, would be civilian in nature, working alongside the military to address the systemic social and economic issues that fueled the uprising.
The appointment of Prime Minister Rajaonarivelo now sets the stage for the formation of the full civilian cabinet, which will be tasked with navigating the country through its current political and economic crisis.
