Madagascar’s coup leader and newly sworn-in president, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has appointed businessman and banker Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the country’s new Prime Minister.
The announcement, made on Monday, comes just days after Randrianirina assumed power following a military takeover that ousted former President Andry Rajoelina amid widespread youth-led protests.
Explaining his decision, Randrianirina said Rajaonarivelo was chosen for his expertise and “connection with international organisations that work with us.” Rajaonarivelo succeeds Ruphin Zafisambo, who had been appointed by Rajoelina only two weeks before the coup.
Rajaonarivelo is a prominent figure in Madagascar’s financial sector, having previously led the Banque Nationale de l’Industrie (BNI), one of the country’s leading banks.
Former President Rajoelina, now in exile, has denounced the military takeover and refused to recognise the new administration. Lawmakers later impeached him in absentia, citing threats to his life as the reason for his flight.
The coup was triggered by weeks of youth-led demonstrations that began in September over persistent water and power shortages, which soon grew into nationwide protests demanding better governance and an end to what protesters described as years of failed leadership.
