Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina has installed Mamitiana Rajaonarison, 53, as the country's new Prime Minister at a ceremony at the presidential palace in Antananarivo on March 15th.
- •His appointment comes less than a week after Randrianirina dismissed the previous prime minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, and dissolved the entire cabinet.
- •The president said the new prime minister’s background in anti-corruption work should be central to restoring confidence in public institutions.
- •Before his appointment, Rajaonarison headed Madagascar’s Financial Intelligence Unit (SAMIFIN), the agency responsible for combating money laundering and illicit financial flows, and had previously worked in anti-corruption enforcement roles within the country’s public administration.
The appointment follows a period of political turbulence in the country. Randrianirina, a military colonel, assumed power in October 2025 following protests and political unrest that led to the departure of former president Andry Rajoelina.
The current administration has described the period as a transitional phase aimed at restructuring state institutions and preparing the country for future elections. Officials have indicated that the new government will focus on reforms and national dialogue as part of a broader process expected to culminate in constitutional changes and elections.
Mamitiana Rajaonarison now takes over as head of government at a time when Madagascar faces the challenges of stabilizing its political environment while addressing economic and governance reforms promised by the transitional leadership.
