The newly sworn-in President of Madagascar, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led the elite special military unit that seized power after weeks of Gen Z-led protests, has issued a sweeping directive barring all serving ministers, including himself, from holding foreign passports or dual citizenship.
The move, described as an effort to restore national integrity and sovereignty, marks the first major policy announcement by the new leader since taking office in the aftermath of the dramatic ouster of former President Andry Rajoelina.
The directive is seen as both symbolic and strategic, aimed at asserting a new sense of national identity following months of political chaos. It also reflects growing frustrations among citizens who accused the previous administration of being disconnected from local realities and overly influenced by foreign interests. The new president, a career soldier and head of the special forces unit that took control of the capital in a swift operation, has vowed to lead what he calls a government of discipline and patriotism.
“Our nation has endured years of broken trust and foreign influence that undermined our sovereignty. From this day forward, every leader who serves Madagascar must serve with undivided loyalty to this land and its people. We are reclaiming our pride and rebuilding our future with integrity,” said Colonel Randrianirina during his inaugural address in Antananarivo.
The deposed president, Andry Rajoelina, was holding a French passport and dual citizenship. This fact made it easier for him to flee to France at the height of the military takeover.
Madagascar plunged into political turmoil after weeks of youth-led protests, largely spearheaded by Gen Z activists demanding change and an end to economic stagnation. The protests quickly escalated into nationwide demonstrations, culminating in the military’s decision to side with the people. Troops defied orders to suppress the rallies and instead surrounded the presidential palace, forcing Rajoelina to flee the country.
While many Malagasy citizens have celebrated the change as a revolution of the people, the international community has reacted sharply. The African Union has condemned the military takeover in the island nation, describing it as an unconstitutional change of government, and announced Madagascar’s immediate suspension from the continental body. The AU Commission reiterated its call for dialogue and the swift restoration of democratic order.
The United Nations has echoed similar concerns, urging the new leadership to hand power back to civilian rule. A UN spokesperson in New York said the organization was monitoring the situation closely and emphasized the importance of respecting democratic institutions.
Despite the external pressure, the new president appears determined to consolidate his government’s legitimacy, focusing on internal reform and national unity. In his first address to the nation, he emphasized that Madagascar’s future must be written by its own people, not dictated from abroad.
As the dust settles, Madagascar faces a delicate balancing act between responding to the aspirations of its youthful population and meeting international expectations for a democratic transition.
For now, Madagascar stands at a crossroads, between the promise of renewal and the uncertainty of a military-led government navigating a fragile path toward stability.