Madagascar army-led govt names mostly civilian cabinet

Madagascar’s military-led government, which seized power this month, appointed a cabinet of mostly civilian ministers, including some prominent critics of ousted president Andry Rajoelina.

The appointments mark a significant period in Madagascar’s political turmoil as the military consolidates its power while trying to find solutions to economic difficulties and political divisions.

The military staged a coup earlier this month after Rajoelina fled the Indian Ocean island nation following weeks of youth-led protests.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as interim president days later.

Randrianirina said a military-led committee will remain in power with a transitional government for up to two years until new elections are held.

The cabinet of new Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, announced on television channel TVM, includes 25 civilians and four military or paramilitary officers.

Christine Razanamahasoa, who was dismissed from her post as president of the national assembly by Rajoelina’s party last year, was elected as foreign minister, and Rajoelina opponent Fanirisoa Ernaivo, who lives in exile, was elected as justice minister.

Economics professor Hery Ramiarison was appointed finance minister.

Security officers were appointed to the ministries of armed forces, public security, land planning and gendarmerie.

The government will be tasked with finding solutions to the chronic power and water outages that have triggered protests against Rajoelina, as well as broader economic challenges.

According to World Bank data, economic production per capita decreased by almost half between 1960, when Madagascar gained independence from France, and 2020.

There was no immediate reaction from protest leaders to the cabinet appointments.

Rajoelina, who was sacked by MPs after fleeing abroad, condemned the military takeover and refused to resign while in exile, despite the Supreme Constitutional Court approving the new government.