Antananarivo, Mar 10, (V7N) – Madagascar’s leader Michael Randrianirina has dismissed his prime minister and dissolved the cabinet formed after he seized power following youth-led protests five months ago.

Randrianirina had appointed Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, a figure from the private sector, as prime minister after the military takeover that forced former president Andry Rajoelina to flee the country in October.

A spokesperson for the presidency said the leader had announced that, in accordance with constitutional provisions, the government had been suspended from its duties.

The statement added that a new prime minister would be appointed shortly, though no timeline or specific reason for the dismissal was provided.

Randrianirina came to power after demonstrations erupted in September over persistent shortages of water and electricity, which later grew into a wider protest movement. Authorities attempted to suppress the protests, leaving several people dead and many others injured.

The colonel has denied staging a coup, insisting that the Constitutional Court of Madagascar transferred power to him. He has pledged to oversee a two-year transition period according to a political programme released in late February.

Under the plan, an initial phase of national consultations is expected to continue until the end of 2026, leading to a draft constitution and a presidential election scheduled for the final quarter of 2027.

The African Union Peace and Security Council is expected to convene a meeting on Madagascar on Tuesday, marking its fourth discussion on the situation since October.

Since assuming power, Randrianirina has also sought new diplomatic partnerships, declaring a “new era of cooperation” during a recent visit to Russia where he met President Vladimir Putin.

Days later in Paris, he and French President Emmanuel Macron announced a renewed and balanced partnership between Madagascar and France.

END/WD/RH