News|GovernmentMadagascar names anticorruption chief as PM days after cabinet dissolvedPresident announces Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister after Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo was dismissed.
On Sun, Oct 15, 2023, Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison as the new Prime Minister, following the dissolution of the cabinet. Rajaonarison, a former senior gendarmerie officer and career civil administrator,…
On Sun, Oct 15, 2023, Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison as the new Prime Minister, following the dissolution of the cabinet. Rajaonarison, a former senior gendarmerie officer and career civil administrator, will lead the newly formed government.
Colonel Randrianirina assumed power in October 2022 and committed to implementing a series of reforms. The appointment of Rajaonarison is part of these reforms, with expectations for the new Prime Minister to lead with integrity and restore hope in the nation's governance.
The decision to dismiss the former Prime Minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, along with the entire cabinet, was made without any official explanation. Rajaonarivelo had been appointed shortly after President Randrianirina took power during public protests that resulted in the former President Andry Rajoelina's departure.
Rajaonarison has been leading the Financial Intelligence Unit (SAMIFIN) since 2021, focusing on combating illicit financial flows, money laundering, and terrorism financing. He is expected to announce the new cabinet composition soon.
On Sun, Oct 15, 2023, Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison as the new Prime Minister, following the dissolution of the cabinet.
In September 2023, protests over water and power shortages escalated into a broader movement. The situation culminated in a mutiny by Randrianirina's army unit, which joined the protests and led to the former president fleeing the country.
Randrianirina maintains that the Constitutional Court legally transferred power to him. He has announced a two-year transition, including national consultations through 2026, drafting a new constitution, and scheduling presidential elections for late 2027. This transition is part of an agenda termed "Refoundation," focusing on restoring state authority, fighting corruption, and rebuilding public trust.
Analysts suggest that the sacking of Rajaonarivelo was unexpected but influenced by calls for deeper reforms and online campaigns that are shaping the current political climate.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
