Michael Randrianirina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Randrianirina
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Randrianirina in 2026
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| President of Madagascar | |
| Assumed office 17 October 2025 |
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| Prime Minister | Ruphin Zafisambo Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo |
| Leader | Himself |
| Preceded by | Andry Rajoelina |
| Governor of Androy | |
| In office 2016–2018 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1974 (age 51–52) Sevohipoty, Androy, Madagascar |
| Spouse | Marisoa Elisa Berthine |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Madagascar |
| Branch/service | Madagascar Armed Forces |
| Rank |  Colonel |
Michael Randrianirina (born in 1974) is a military officer and politician from Madagascar. He has been the President of Madagascar since October 2025. He also leads the Council of the Presidency for the Re-Foundation of the Republic of Madagascar.
Randrianirina was born in Sevohipoty, a village in Madagascar's Androy region. Before becoming president, he served as Governor of Androy from 2016 to 2018. He also became a high-ranking military leader and head of a special unit called CAPSAT.
He expressed concerns about the government of President Andry Rajoelina. In November 2023, he faced legal challenges and was held for a time. He was released in February 2024 and returned to his role at CAPSAT.
In October 2025, during widespread 2025 Malagasy protests in Madagascar, there was a change in government leadership. Randrianirina, as head of CAPSAT, became the new President of Madagascar on October 17, 2025. The High Constitutional Court confirmed his position.
As president, he has shared plans for Madagascar to join BRICS, a group of countries working together. He also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on his first trip outside Africa. He promised to hold new elections within two years. He also announced plans for a national discussion to create a new way of governing and to form a Youth Assembly.
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Michael Randrianirina's Early Life and Career
Michael Randrianirina was born in 1974 in Sevohipoty, a village in Madagascar's Androy region. This area is located at the southern tip of the Indian Ocean. We do not know his exact birth date or much about his family background.
He received his military training at the Antsirabe Military Academy. From 2016 to 2018, Randrianirina served as the Governor of the Androy region. This was during the time when Hery Rajaonarimampianina was president. After that, he was an infantry battalion commander in Toliara until July 2022. He then became the leader of the special military unit known as CAPSAT.
Facing Challenges in 2023
Michael Randrianirina began to express strong opinions about President Andry Rajoelina's government. On November 27, 2023, he faced legal challenges and was held for a time. He was accused of trying to start a military uprising and change the government. He was taken to court and then to Tsiafahy prison. In February 2024, he was released after a court decision and returned to his position at CAPSAT.
Madagascar's Political Changes in 2025
On September 25, 2025, protests started across Madagascar. People were upset about frequent power and water outages, especially in the capital city of Antananarivo. To try and calm the situation, President Andry Rajoelina removed Prime Minister Christian Ntsay. However, this action did not satisfy the protesters.
A Change in Leadership
On October 12, 2025, President Andry Rajoelina announced that CAPSAT units had joined the protesters. He said they were trying to take control. Randrianirina, however, stated that they were only "answering the people's calls."
On October 12, former prime minister Christian Ntsay and an advisor to Rajoelina traveled to Mauritius. Reports from Reuters suggested that President Rajoelina had left Madagascar on a French military plane. On October 13, Rajoelina released a video saying he had been moved to a safe place after an attempt to harm him.
On October 13, CAPSAT announced that it had taken control of all military forces. This led President Andry Rajoelina to leave the country. On October 14, Rajoelina tried to dissolve the National Assembly. However, the National Assembly continued its work and voted to remove him from office.
Randrianirina, as head of CAPSAT, joined the actions against President Andry Rajoelina during the 2025 Malagasy protests. He encouraged soldiers to support the people. At 13 May Square, Randrianirina called for the president and prime minister to step down.
Michael Randrianirina's Presidency (2025–Present)
Becoming President
On October 14, Randrianirina and several CAPSAT soldiers arrived at Iavoloha Palace, the presidential home. They announced that the military would form a new leadership group. This group was called the Council of the Presidency for the Re-Foundation of the Republic of Madagascar. It included officers from the army and police. They also planned to appoint a prime minister to quickly form a civilian government.
Randrianirina promised to hold new elections within 18 months to two years. He also temporarily paused some national political groups and parts of the Constitution of Madagascar. Only the National Assembly was allowed to continue its work. On that day, the High Constitutional Court formally asked him to take on the duties of the President of Madagascar.
On October 15, state television announced that Randrianirina would become "President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar" on October 17. He was sworn in as planned. During his speech, Randrianirina said it was a "historic turning point" for Madagascar. He wanted to "break with the past" and start a "new chapter" for the nation. He thanked the young protesters. His first three goals were to investigate the water and power company Jirama, improve rice farming, and appoint a prime minister and government.
Key Actions as President
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On October 20, 2025, Randrianirina appointed businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the new prime minister. He took over from General Ruphin Zafisambo.
In an interview on November 10, Randrianirina said it was an honor to serve his country and help people living in poverty. He explained that he is both a military officer and a part of the people. He stated that his leadership was not a forceful takeover, but that President Andry Rajoelina chose to leave. He promised elections within 18 to 24 months. He said that young people and the public wanted change. He also added that he would step down if the people no longer supported him.
On November 17, Randrianirina gave his first national speech. He said that the change in leadership was not a forceful takeover and that no violence had happened. He also said that ongoing investigations were about justice, not revenge. He promised to find those who had harmed the country. He announced a national discussion led by the Council of Christian Churches in Madagascar. This discussion would help create a new way of governing. It would be followed by a public vote and a presidential election within two years. He also promised to create a Youth Assembly and focus more on the Malagasy language and history in schools.
In January 2026, Randrianirina met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Randrianirina shared that Madagascar plans to become a partner with BRICS. On February 12, 2026, Randrianirina visited Toamasina to see the damage from Cyclone Gezani. He described the destruction as very severe and asked for international help. On February 19, Randrianirina met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. They discussed how Russia and Madagascar could work together in different areas. This was his first trip outside of Africa.
On March 9, 2026, Randrianirina made changes to his government. He dismissed several cabinet members and Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo.
About Michael Randrianirina's Personal Life
Randrianirina is from Sevohipoty, a village located southeast of Ambovombe Androy. He is a member of the Malagasy Lutheran Church. He is married to Elisa Randrianirina, whose full name is Marisoa Elisa Berthine.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Randrianirina para niños
