Banker Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo is named the new prime minister by the coup leader of Madagascar
Businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo was named prime minister by Colonel Michael Randrianirina just days after he took office amid protests led by young people.
Businessman and financier Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo has been named the new prime minister of Madagascar by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the mastermind of the coup.
Just days after Randrianirina was inaugurated in as president, the statement was made on Monday. This was in the wake of a military coup that overthrew former leader Andry Rajoelina in the midst of widespread protests spearheaded by young people.
Rajaonarivelo’s experience and “connection with international organizations that work with us” are the reasons Randrianirina gave for his selection. Ruphin Zafisambo, who was only two weeks ago appointed by Rajoelina, is replaced by Rajaonarivelo.
As the head of one of Madagascar’s largest banks, BNI (Banque nationale de l’industrie), Rajaonarivelo is a well-known figure in the financial industry.
Rajoelina, the former president, has refused to resign while in exile and denounced the army takeover. When he went overseas, lawmakers cited threats to his life and impeached him.
Weeks of Gen Z-led protests against what many characterized as failed leadership preceded the coup. The rallies started in September over water and electricity shortages but quickly spread across the country.
