Madagascar’s military ruler on Tuesday appointed a government filled with familiar figures from the nation’s political elite, ignoring demands from young protesters for a fresh start following the ouster of President Andry Rajoelina.
Frustrated by chronic power cuts and economic stagnation, the island’s “Gen Z” movement had driven mass demonstrations that culminated in Rajoelina’s flight after Colonel Michael Randrianirina staged a mutiny and seized power.
Randrianirina, who was sworn in as president on 17 October, announced a 28-member cabinet after consulting key political power brokers. The line-up includes several former ministers and Rajoelina’s ex-chief aide, raising concerns about the regime’s commitment to reform.
“We will prosecute those guilty of corruption and recover assets obtained through corrupt means,” Randrianirina declared in a speech at the presidential palace in Iavoloha.
Among the appointments, Christine Razanamahasoa takes charge of foreign affairs. She previously served as justice minister from 2009 to 2013 after Rajoelina’s military-backed takeover and twice held the position of National Assembly speaker before falling out with him.
Influential militia general René Lylison, currently governor of the northern Sofia region, has been appointed minister for Land Management and Planning. The gendarmerie officer, once Rajoelina’s enforcer, gained notoriety for leading harsh crackdowns on cattle rustlers before his political fallout with the former leader.
Fanirisoa Ernaivo, a lawyer and former judge who recently returned from exile in France, will oversee the justice ministry and lead anti-corruption efforts.
Randrianirina has pledged to return power to civilians within two years.
He identified energy, health, tourism, security, and anti-corruption efforts as his top priorities, instructing ministers to produce tangible results within two months.
“You are here to serve the Malagasy people,” he warned his cabinet. “Do not betray them by repeating the mistakes of your predecessors.”