Madagascar Names First Prime Minister After Military Coup

Madagascar’s newly appointed president, Col. Michael Randrianirina, who seized power last week via a military coup following mass protests, named businessman and consultant Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the island nation’s new prime minister, France 24 reported.

When explaining his pick for prime minister this week, Randrianirina cited Rajaonarivelo’s experience and “connections with the international organizations that work” with the country.

Randrianirina added that the military will govern alongside a civilian administration for up to two years, transitioning to civilian rule following new elections.

The little-known colonel was sworn in as president on Friday, days after taking control of Madagascar following weeks of massive “Gen Z” protests that ousted President Andry Rajoelina, of whom Randrianirina has long been a vocal critic, Al Jazeera noted.

Rajoelina, who was impeached by lawmakers for desertion of duty after he fled Madagascar earlier this month, condemned the military takeover and has refused to step down even while in exile, and also having been deserted by the country’s security forces, his allies in the legislature, and the country’s top court.

Meanwhile, the United Nations and the African Union have condemned Randrianirina’s takeover, with the latter suspending Madagascar from the group.

The recent unrest led by the “Gen Z Madagascar” was triggered by persistent water and energy cuts but later transformed into wider discontent with the government.