Madagascar’s military leader thanks Gen Z protesters as he is sworn in
Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s new president days after the Indian Ocean country’s military takeover.
He swapped his fatigues for a suit and thanked young people who took to the streets during weeks of protests that prompted President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country and his impeachment.
The ceremony took place at the Constitutional Court in the capital, Antananarivo, where a large crowd gathered to watch, including those who were behind the protests.
“Today marks a historic turning point for our country. With a people in full fervor, driven by the desire for change… we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation,” he declared.
The former French colony is now entering a period of transition, which will be fraught with political obstacles and legal uncertainty – although there is cautious optimism about the leadership of Colonel Randrianirina.
The President of the Constitutional Court, Florent Rakotoarisoa, criticized the international community for describing the situation in Madagascar as a coup d’état.
He denied that there was a violation of the constitution in Madagascar, instead blaming the constitution for the deterioration of the situation.
Protesters hoped Rajoelina would simply resign and pave the way for a smooth, democratic transition.
Instead, he clung to power, dissolving his government and conducting a series of dialogues with different groups of people, efforts that were not enough to appease the protesters.
The protests, which began last month, were initially organized by a youth movement known as Gen Z Mada, angered by persistent electricity and water shortages.
Colonel Randrianirina was at the head of the Malagasy army’s elite CAPSAT unit when his troops joined thousands of demonstrators in the streets of the capital on Tuesday.
He told Gen Z protesters that he was taking power and that the military would form a government and hold elections within two years.
Democracy advocates, both inside and outside the country, hope this promise comes true.
At the ceremony at the country’s highest court, Reuters news agency reports, trumpets sounded after Randrianirina took the oath, promising to “dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity and human rights.”
Wearing an official sash and an official star, he reaffirmed his commitment to change.
“We will work hand in hand with all the forces of the nation to draft a beautiful constitution,” he declared, adding that electoral reforms would be put in place before a new vote is held.
“We are determined to break with the past. Our main mission is to fundamentally reform the country’s administrative, socio-economic and political governance systems.”
After the ceremony, the new president spoke to journalists outside the Constitutional Court and outlined in more detail what he considered his main priorities.
He said he would start by opening an investigation into the state-owned water and electricity company Jirama.
“Today and tomorrow we will examine the situation at Jirama, what is happening there and what problems currently exist. This examination aims to avoid further difficulties in the future. This is our first social priority,” he said.
“The second priority is rice cultivation. As we enter the agricultural season, we need to evaluate the best way to proceed.
“The third priority is the appointment of the Prime Minister and the formation of the government.”
Like other former French colonies in Africa which have experienced coups in recent years, it has been hinted that relations with France could also change under his leadership with warmer ties to Russia.
On Thursday, Randrianirina attended a meeting with Russian embassy officials to discuss “serious” cooperation between the two countries.
Earlier in the protests, people were seen on the streets waving Russian flags calling for Moscow’s intervention.
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