The list of African countries that end up ruled by the army keeps increasing. After Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali over the last couple of years, Madagascar recently joined the movement. For the sake of the people, or for the individual interests of the ones ruling?
After three weeks of protest, former Malagasy president Andry Rajoelina left the country and found shelter abroad. The antigovernmental riots led by the army and the youngsters from the Gen Z movement turned into a huge change for the country: the escape of the former president, and the investiture of a colonel belonging to the Malagasy army.
Indeed, Mickaël Randrianirina was appointed president of Madagascar on Friday, October 17. His section, called Capsat, rebelled against the ruling power and joined the antigovernmental demonstrations that eventually compelled Andry Rajoelina to flee abroad.
The investiture of the new president took place in Antananarivo, the capital city, in presence of army officials, representatives of Gen Z movement and foreign delegations such as the United States, the European Union and Russia. The former colonial power France was also present.
Mickaël Randrianirina announced he wanted to enforce a “rupture with the past”. The so-called rupture means a new constitution for the country and big changes in administration, social and economic systems and governance policy.
Like all the militaries grasping power, the new president promised to give back the power to the civilians. According to him, elections will take place in the next 2 years, possibly before 18 months. The country will not be run by the militaries.
The recent change of mind of Mamadi Doumbouya in Guinea can make us take such words with carefulness. The Guinean military is expected to participate to the presidential elections whereas he promised the contrary when he grabbed power.
Guillaume Mahot