Madagascar’s military ruler, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has unveiled a new 28-member cabinet, featuring several prominent figures from the ousted Andry Rajoelina administration a move that has sparked concerns about whether the new leadership will address the demands of the country’s youth movement.
Randrianirina, who took power following a military mutiny that led to Rajoelina’s ouster earlier this month, announced the appointments on Tuesday after consultations with key political stakeholders. The colonel, sworn in as president on October 17, pledged to tackle corruption and prioritize energy, health, tourism, and security within his two-year transition plan.
“We will prosecute those guilty of corruption and recover assets obtained through corrupt practices,” Randrianirina said in a speech at the presidential palace in Iavoloha. “You are here to serve the Malagasy people. Do not betray them by doing what your predecessors did.”
Among the appointees is Christine Razanamahasoa, a veteran politician who previously served as justice minister between 2009 and 2013 and twice as speaker of the National Assembly. She now heads the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Also returning is General Rene Lylison, a former Rajoelina ally and current governor of Sofia region, who takes charge of Land Management and Planning.
The new Justice Minister, Fanirisoa Ernaivo — a lawyer and former judge who recently returned from exile in France — will oversee the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
The cabinet announcement follows weeks of unrest led by Madagascar’s “Gen Z” protesters, who demanded reform in response to widespread poverty, unemployment, and power shortages. Many fear that the inclusion of old political elites could undermine hopes for genuine change.
Randrianirina, however, has promised to restore civilian rule within two years, urging his ministers to deliver tangible results within their first two months in office.
