Madagascar interim leader sacks government five months after takeover
Mar 10th 2026
Colonel Michael Randrianirina has dissolved the Cabinet and sacked the prime minister just five months after taking power following mass protests, saying a new prime minister will be appointed shortly and outlining a two-year transition plan.
- The government was suspended and Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo was dismissed, with a new prime minister to be named shortly.
- Colonel Michael Randrianirina seized power in October after youth-led protests forced out President Andry Rajoelina, and the Cabinet had been sworn in on October 28.
- Randrianirina rejects the label coup, says the Constitutional Court transferred power to him, and styles himself President of the Refoundation of the Republic.
- He has announced a two-year transition with constitutional reform consultations through 2026 and a presidential election planned for the last quarter of 2027.
- Randrianirina has made diplomatic trips to Russia and France while the African Union is meeting to consider Madagascar's political crisis.