Madagascar military leader Randrianirina fires prime minister and entire cabinet months after coup
Madagascar’s military ruler, Col Michael Randrianirina, has dissolved the government, dismissing the prime minister and the entire cabinet.
“The government has ceased its functions,” a statement from his spokesperson said, adding that Randrianirina will appoint a new prime minister “in line with the provisions stipulated by the constitution”.
No reason was given for the decision.
The move comes months after political unrest in the country. Former president Andry Rajoelina, who had been elected for a third term in a disputed 2023 poll, was removed from power following weeks of protests over persistent power and water shortages.
In October last year, Rajoelina was formally stripped of his Malagasy nationality after it emerged that he had acquired French citizenship in 2014, a step that violates the country’s nationality laws, which forbid dual citizenship for sitting presidents.
Officials argued that by obtaining French nationality, Rajoelina had automatically forfeited his Malagasy citizenship, making his presidency constitutionally invalid.
Randrianirina, the military officer who led the coup, was sworn in as head of state on 17 October. He pledged to organise elections within two years and restore civilian rule. However, his administration has faced scepticism both domestically and internationally over its legitimacy and the timeline for a return to democracy.
In December, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) directed Madagascar’s military authorities to submit a roadmap for restoring democracy, including plans for fresh elections by the end of February.
On Monday, March 9, Randrianirina dismissed the entire government and assigned permanent secretaries to oversee the day-to-day operations of ministries until a new cabinet is formed.
Randrianirina has not explained the reason for the mass dismissals. However, leaders of the Gen Z movement, whose grassroots mobilisation helped bring the military leader to power, have called for greater inclusiveness in the transition process and more representation in decision-making structures.
Activist groups known as the Gen Z and Gen Y movements recently issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding Randrianirina’s resignation, citing frustration with his performance, according to local media reports.
Businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo had been appointed prime minister in October in an attempt to bridge the divide between military leadership and civilian governance.
Leaders of the Gen Z movement rejected his appointment at the time, stating that it was made in a “non-transparent” manner and “without consultation”.
The group demanded to know how Rajaonarivelo had been selected, citing what it described as his connections to the previous administration.
They added that the decision “runs contrary to the desired structural change” the movement was seeking.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
