Michael Randrianirina

Michael Randrianirina (born 1974) is a Malagasy military officer and politician who has served as President of Madagascar and as President of the Council of the Presidency for the Re-Foundation of the Republic of Madagascar since 2025. Born in the village of Sevohipoty in Madagascar’s Androy region at the southern tip of the Indian Ocean, he came to power after being imprisoned and later joining protests against the previous administration. He previously served as Governor of Androy from 2016 to 2018 and later became a senior military commander and head of the CAPSAT unit. Randrianirina gradually emerged as a vocal critic of President Andry Rajoelina. In November 2023, he was quickly arrested for mutiny and accused of instigating a military revolt and attempting a coup d'état. He was brought before a court and immediately detained at Tsiafahy prison. In February 2024, he was released after receiving a suspended sentence for offenses against state security and later returned to CAPSAT. In October 2025, as head of CAPSAT, Randrianirina joined the coup d'état against Rajoelina amid the 2025 Malagasy protests. CAPSAT overthrew Rajoelina, who fled the country, and Randrianirina was inaugurated as President of Madagascar on 17 October, after being confirmed by the High Constitutional Court, although he denied that his leadership resulted from a coup. As president, he stated that Madagascar intends to pursue BRICS membership. On his first trip abroad outside Africa, he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also promised to hold elections within 18–24 months. He announced a nationwide consultation led by the Council of Christian Churches in Madagascar to establish a new governance system and pledged the creation of a Youth Assembly.