Madagascar’s Military-Led Government Appoints Cabinet with Civilian Majority

Madagascar’s new military-led government, which seized power earlier this month, has appointed a cabinet dominated by civilians, including several outspoken critics of ousted president Andry Rajoelina.

The appointments mark a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing political crisis, as the military seeks to consolidate authority while tackling deep economic hardship and social unrest.

Coup and Transition
The military staged a coup after weeks of youth-led protests forced Rajoelina to flee the country. Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as interim president shortly afterward. He has announced that a military-led committee will govern alongside a transitional administration for up to two years, until new elections can be held.

Cabinet Composition
The new cabinet, led by Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo and announced on national broadcaster TVM, includes 25 civilians and four military or paramilitary officers.

Christine Razanamahasoa, a former national assembly president removed by Rajoelina’s party last year, was named foreign minister.

Fanirisoa Ernaivo, a Rajoelina opponent who had been living in exile, was appointed justice minister.

Hery Ramiarison, an economics professor, was named finance minister.

Security officials were placed in charge of the armed forces, public security, land planning, and the gendarmerie.

Challenges Ahead
The transitional government faces the urgent task of addressing chronic power and water shortages, which helped fuel the protests that toppled Rajoelina. Broader economic challenges also loom large: World Bank data shows that between independence in 1960 and 2020, Madagascar’s per capita economic output nearly halved.

There has been no immediate response from protest leaders to the cabinet appointments. Meanwhile, Rajoelina impeached by lawmakers after fleeing abroad has condemned the coup and refused to step down, despite the High Constitutional Court ratifying the new government.

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