Army colonel Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as Madagascar’s president Friday, October 17,2025,days after a military power grab that sent ex-president Andry Rajoelina fleeing.

Randrianirina, who led the CAPSAT army unit that rebelled and joined anti-government protesters at the weekend, read out the presidential oath at a ceremony at the country’s top court in the capital Antananarivo.

Randrianirina, in his presidential speech, said Friday, October 17,2025,marks a historic turning point for the country.

According to him, the people’s full fervor, driven by the desire for change and a deep love for their homeland, joyfully opened a new chapter in the life of Madagascar.

The ceremony, presided over by the head of the constitutional court, was attended by military officers, politicians, representatives of the Gen Z youth-led protest movement and several foreign delegations, including from the United States, the European Union, Russia and France.