Madagascar coup: Who is the Colonel behind the power grab?
On Fri, Oct 6, 2023, Col. Michael Randrianirina assumed the presidency of Madagascar following a swift military coup. This transition occurred six days after he initiated the military action.
On Fri, Oct 6, 2023, Col. Michael Randrianirina assumed the presidency of Madagascar following a swift military coup. This transition occurred six days after he initiated the military action.
Background of Col. Michael Randrianirina
Col. Randrianirina hails from Androy, a southern region of Madagascar known for its economic challenges. He served as its governor from 2016 to 2018. Prior to this, he was the commander of an infantry battalion in the Atsimo-Andrefana region. He has previously been a vocal critic of the former president, Andry Rajoelina.
In November 2023, Randrianirina was arrested on charges of planning a mutiny ahead of the presidential election. He spent approximately three months in detention, primarily in a military hospital. He was sentenced to a one-year suspended prison term for undermining state security and was released in early February 2024.
Michael Randrianirina assumed the presidency of Madagascar following a swift military coup.
After his release, Randrianirina continued his military career but without an official command post. Despite this, he and another officer maintained their status within the military. Details regarding his appointment as the commander of the elite CAPSAT military unit, which later opposed Rajoelina, remain unclear.
On Sat, Sep 30, 2023, Randrianirina led a military rebellion that aligned with ongoing anti-government protests. His public appearance during these demonstrations, including riding on an armored vehicle, positioned him as the leader of the uprising. This military action led to the condemnation by international bodies, including the United Nations and the African Union, resulting in Madagascar's suspension from the latter organization.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
