Colonel Mikael Randrianirina was officially sworn in today before the High Constitutional Court (HCC) of Madagascar, formally inaugurating him as the President of the Restructuring of the Republic.
This follows the dismissal of former President Andry Rajoelina by the National Assembly. The ceremony formalizes the transfer of power, which Colonel Randrianirina has consistently maintained is operating within a legal and constitutional framework, rather than constituting a coup d’état.
“No violence has been committed, no palace has been attacked,” he affirmed prior to the swearing-in, emphasizing the constitutional process that led to the HCC noting the power vacuum and confirming his new role. This decision, he stressed, transformed the initial military intervention into a constitutional transition.
Following his inauguration, the President of the Restructuring of the Republic announced that a transitional government would be formed, featuring a civilian majority and a balanced representation of both civilian and military forces.
“We want to restore trust between the institutions and the people. This is a rebuilding, not a seizure of power,” Randrianirina emphasized.
He confirmed that no early elections are planned immediately, insisting that the priority is to reform the CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission) and clean up the electoral rolls to ensure any future vote is transparent and consensual.
Acknowledging the African Union’s suspension of Madagascar as a “normal reaction,” Colonel Randrianirina noted that a SADC mission is expected around October 20 to assess the ongoing transition.
The new interim leader, a native of the south and a graduate of the Antsirabe Military Academy, promised “a thorough overhaul of the Republic, legally and without haste.”
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA