Richard Ratsimandrava facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Ratsimandrava
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| Minister of the Interior of Madagascar | |
| In office 5 – 11 February 1975 |
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| Preceded by | Gabriel Ramanantsoa (as President of Madagascar) |
| Succeeded by | Gilles Andriamahazo (as Chairman of the National Military Leadership Committee) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 March 1931 Antananarivo, French Madagascar |
| Died | 11 February 1975 (aged 43) Antananarivo, Democratic Republic of Madagascar |
| Cause of death | Assassination |
Colonel Richard Ratsimandrava (born March 21, 1931 – died February 11, 1975) was a soldier and politician from Madagascar. He became the head of state of Madagascar in February 1975. Sadly, he was killed just six days after taking office.
Early Life and Career
Richard Ratsimandrava was born in 1931. He was a member of the Merina people, an ethnic group in Madagascar. He went to a special military school in France called Saint-Cyr.
After finishing school, Ratsimandrava worked as a soldier in different parts of French Africa. When Madagascar became independent in 1960, he returned home. He joined the army in Madagascar and became a lieutenant-colonel by 1968.
In 1972, the president at the time, Gabriel Ramanantsoa, created a military government. Richard Ratsimandrava was chosen to be the Minister of the Interior. This job meant he was in charge of things like police and local government.
His Death
Richard Ratsimandrava became the head of state on February 5, 1975. But just six days later, on February 11, 1975, he was shot and killed. This happened at 8 p.m. while he was driving home from the presidential palace.
A new military group announced his death. They said he was killed by members of a security force that had been disbanded earlier. His death almost caused a civil war in Madagascar. This was between people who supported the military government and those who supported the former president.
In 2006, a meeting was held in Madagascar to remember him. This was on the 31st anniversary of his death.
See also
In Spanish: Richard Ratsimandrava para niños
