Madagascar military leader shocks nation by dissolving government

Madagascar’s military leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, shocked the nation on March 9th by dissolving the government and removing all cabinet members including the prime minister, according to the BBC.

In a brief statement, the military ruler turned president said “the government has ceased its functions” and that a new prime minister would be named in line with the constitution. Until then, permanent secretaries will oversee the daily operations of ministries. This sudden removal has hurled the island into a new phase of political turmoil.

No reasons were given for the abrupt move, but it comes amid growing pressure from youth activists who played a major role in last year’s political revolution. Leaders of the Gen Z movement criticized the choice of Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as prime minister, arguing it lacked transparency and did not reflect broader political representation. The younger generation of the movement have voiced their opposition to the prime minister that has been selected by the new president of the African country.  

Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, a businessman, had been selected in October 2025 to balance military authority with civilian leadership, but his appointment as prime minister was contested by youth groups who felt the choice leaned too heavily on connections to the previous administration.

Randrianirina first seized power in October, after demonstrators waved banners demanding the resignation of Rajoelina. The embattled president was ousted which led to his removal of power. The military takeover was initially presented as a stabilising move, with promises of elections within two years. 

Monday’s developments highlight the ongoing tensions over the country’s political transition. The youth movements continue to demand faster reforms and a more inclusive government, while ordinary citizens watch anxiously to see who will lead Madagascar through the next chapter of its political unrest.

The situation remains fluid, and political observers warn that further changes could be imminent as Randrianirina works to consolidate authority while responding to mounting calls for reform.

BBC, Maghrebi.org