Madagascar appoints new anticorruption official as prime minister

Madagascar’s President Appoints New Prime Minister

President Michael Randrianirina has appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister, replacing Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo who was dismissed from office last week. According to the presidential palace, Rajaonarison will lead the new government.

Rajaonarison is a former senior gendarmerie officer and career civil administrator. He has been leading the Financial Intelligence Unit (SAMIFIN) since 2021, where he combats illicit financial flows, money laundering, and terrorism financing.

The appointment comes after Randrianirina dissolved his cabinet last Monday without providing an explanation for the move. Rajaonarison is expected to announce his new cabinet shortly.

President Randrianirina made the announcement at a ceremony in the presidential palace, stating that he expects Rajaonarison to lead the government “on a clean path” and restore hope. The president emphasized the importance of integrity and principle in the post of prime minister.

Rajaonarison has been involved in various national efforts, including addressing water and power shortages on the Indian Ocean island. Demonstrations against these issues snowballed into a protest movement that the government failed to stop with a crackdown that resulted in several casualties.

The new prime minister will be part of Randrianirina’s transition plan, which includes broad national consultations through 2026, drafting a new constitution, and presidential elections scheduled for late 2027.

Source: Al Jazeera