The transitional leader of Madagascar, Michael Randrianirina, has appointed the country’s financial intelligence chief Mamitiana Rajaonarison as the new prime minister, just days after dissolving the previous government.
In an official statement, the presidency confirmed that Rajaonarison, who has led the national anti-money-laundering agency SAMIFIN since 2021, will head a newly formed cabinet. A former senior gendarmerie officer and experienced civil administrator, he replaces Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, who was dismissed when the government was unexpectedly dissolved last week.
Rajaonarivelo had been appointed shortly after Randrianirina assumed power in October during a period of political unrest that forced former president Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.
During a ceremony at the presidential palace in Antananarivo, Randrianirina said the country needed decisive leadership during what he described as a critical moment. He praised the new prime minister as a leader of integrity who “cannot be bought with money.”
The transitional leader has rejected accusations that his rise to power was a coup, insisting that authority was legally transferred to him by the Constitutional Court of Madagascar.
Randrianirina has promised a two-year political transition that will include nationwide consultations, the drafting of a new constitution, and presidential elections scheduled for 2027.
Political analysts say the sudden dismissal of the previous prime minister came as a surprise, although some believe increasing pressure for reforms and growing youth-led protest movements may have influenced the leadership change.
The appointment of Rajaonarison is seen by some observers as a signal that the transitional government intends to focus strongly on governance reforms and tackling corruption during the transition period.
