Madagascar’s transitional leader, Michael Randrianirina, has appointed the head of the country’s financial intelligence unit, Mamitiana Rajaonarison, as the new prime minister, only days after dissolving the entire cabinet in a move that surprised many political observers.
The presidency confirmed the appointment in a statement released on Sunday, noting that Rajaonarison will now lead a newly constituted government as the island nation navigates a delicate political transition.
Rajaonarison has served since 2021 as the director of Madagascar’s anti-money-laundering agency, Service de Renseignements Financiers (SAMIFIN). Before taking on the financial intelligence role, he built a career in public service, working both as a senior officer in the national gendarmerie and as a civil administrator.
He replaces Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, who was dismissed last week when Randrianirina unexpectedly dissolved the government. The sudden move triggered speculation about internal disagreements and mounting political pressure within the transitional administration.
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Rajaonarivelo had been appointed shortly after Randrianirina assumed power in October, following widespread protests that forced former president Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.
During the swearing-in ceremony held at the presidential palace in Antananarivo, Randrianirina described the appointment as part of efforts to steer the country through a critical period. He praised Rajaonarison as a leader of integrity who, in his words, “cannot be bought with money,” emphasizing the need for decisive leadership and stronger governance.
Randrianirina has repeatedly rejected claims that his rise to power amounted to a coup. Instead, he maintains that the Constitutional Court of Madagascar legally transferred authority to him amid the political crisis.
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The transitional leader has pledged that his administration will oversee a two-year transition designed to restore democratic governance. According to the plan, the process will include nationwide consultations with citizens, the drafting of a new constitution, and presidential elections scheduled for 2027.
However, political analysts say the abrupt dismissal of the previous prime minister caught many observers off guard. Some experts believe the decision may have been influenced by growing demands for reforms and increasing pressure from youth-led protest movements that played a major role in the recent political upheaval.
With the new prime minister now in place, attention is expected to shift to the formation of a fresh cabinet and the government’s ability to stabilize the political landscape while preparing the country for a return to constitutional rule.
Madagascar, one of Africa’s largest island nations, has experienced several political transitions in recent decades. Observers say the success of the current transition will largely depend on the administration’s ability to rebuild public trust and deliver credible electoral reforms in the years ahead.
