Madagascar President Dismisses Prime Minister and Cabinet
Last update: March 10, 2026
Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. We only recommend products or services that we personally use and believe will add value to our readers. Your support is appreciated!
Move comes five months after military-backed leader took power following nationwide protests.
Madagascar’s leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has dismissed his prime minister and dissolved the cabinet he appointed shortly after taking power following youth-led protests five months ago.
The colonel had selected Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo from the private sector to serve as prime minister after a military takeover that forced former president Andry Rajoelina to flee the country in October.
In a statement released Monday, a spokesperson for the presidency said Randrianirina had announced that, in accordance with constitutional provisions, the government had been suspended from its duties.
The spokesperson added that a new prime minister would be appointed soon but did not provide a timeline or explain the reason behind the dismissal.
Randrianirina assumed power after demonstrations that began in September over persistent water and electricity shortages. The protests quickly grew into a broader movement against the government, which authorities attempted to suppress with a crackdown that left several people dead and many others injured.
The colonel has rejected claims that he staged a coup, saying the Constitutional Court formally transferred power to him. He has also pledged a two year transition period, according to a programme released at the end of February.
Under the plan, an initial phase of nationwide consultations is expected to run until the end of 2026 and lead to the drafting of a new constitution, followed by a presidential election scheduled for the final quarter of 2027.
The African Union Peace and Security Council is expected to hold a meeting on Madagascar on Tuesday, marking its fourth session on the situation since October.
Since taking power, Randrianirina has also moved quickly to strengthen diplomatic ties abroad. During an official visit to Moscow last month, he declared a new era of cooperation after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A few days later in Paris, Randrianirina and French President Emmanuel Macron announced what they described as a renewed and balanced partnership between Madagascar and France, the country’s former colonial ruler.
