Col. Randrianirina Sworn in as President of Madagascar

Oct. 19—Malagasy army Colonel Michaël Randrianirina was sworn in as President of Madagascar Oct. 17 at the High Constitutional Court. This followed three weeks of GenZ youth protest demonstrations, the fleeing from the country of former President Andry Rajoelina, and the latter’s impeachment by the National Assembly, following which the military took control. The High Constitutional Court invited Colonel Randrianirina, the head of the elite CAPSAT unit of the Army, to assume the presidency.

“Today marks a historic turning point for our country. With a people in effervescence, driven by the will to change and by the deep love of his homeland, we joyfully open a new chapter in national life,” Randrianirina said at the ceremony presided over by the head of the Constitutional High Court.

The investiture was held in the presence of army officers, politicians, representatives of the Gen Z protest movement and several foreign delegations, including those of the United States, the European Union, Russia and France.

“We will work hand in hand with all the driving forces of the nation in order to develop a beautiful Constitution of the Republic and to consult on new electoral texts on the organization of elections and referendums,” the new president said. “We are committed to a break with the past. Our main mission is to comprehensively reform the country’s administrative, socio-economic and governance policy systems.”