Madagascar’s new military ruler, Colonel Michael
Randrianirina, has announced a 28-member cabinet following his seizure of
power earlier this month, promising to crack down on corruption and revive the
country’s struggling economy.
Randrianirina, who ousted President Andry Rajoelina
on October 17 after a mutiny within the army’s CAPSAT contingent, said
he had consulted the nation’s key political power-brokers before appointing the
ministers. The new cabinet includes several figures from the Rajoelina era,
raising concerns over whether the new leadership will meet the demands of the
youth-led protest movement that triggered the takeover.
Among the appointees are Christine Razanamahasoa
as foreign minister — a former justice minister and National Assembly speaker —
and General Rene Lylison, a former Rajoelina ally known for his hardline
tactics, who now heads the Land Management and Planning Ministry. The justice
portfolio went to Fanirisoa Ernaivo, a lawyer and exiled former judge
returning from France, who will lead the anti-corruption effort.
In his speech from the presidential palace in
Iavoloha, Randrianirina vowed to prosecute corrupt officials and recover stolen
assets, urging his ministers to deliver results within two months.
“You are here to serve the Malagasy people. Do not
betray them by doing what your predecessors did,” he warned.
The colonel pledged to prioritize energy, health,
tourism, security, and anti-corruption reforms, and said he would return power
to civilian authorities within two years.
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