Madagascar leader appoints financial intelligence chief as new prime minister

Leadership Transition: New Prime Minister Appointed

On Sunday, the presidency of Madagascar announced the appointment of Mamitiana Rajaonarison as the new Prime Minister. Rajaonarison, who has been leading the country's financial intelligence unit, SAMIFIN, since 2021, will head a new cabinet following the recent dissolution of the government.

Rajaonarison, a former senior gendarmerie officer and career civil administrator, replaces Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, who was dismissed following the unexpected dissolution of the cabinet. Rajaonarivelo had been appointed after Michael Randrianirina assumed power in October amid protests that led to the former president's departure.

During a ceremony at the presidential palace in Antananarivo, Randrianirina emphasized the need for "bold decisions" during this critical period. He described Rajaonarison as a man of integrity, emphasizing his incorruptibility.

Randrianirina has stated that his assumption of power was legally sanctioned by the Constitutional Court and is not a coup. He announced plans for a two-year transition period, which will involve nationwide consultations, the drafting of a new constitution, and presidential elections scheduled for 2027.

Based on reporting by Africanews.