Madagascar’s ruling military authority Col Michael Randrianirina has abruptly dismissed the country’s prime minister and the entire cabinet, effectively dissolving the government in a move that has caught many by surprise and raised fresh questions about the direction of the island nation’s political transition.
The announcement was confirmed in a statement released by the leader’s spokesperson, which declared that the current administration had been brought to an end.
"The government has ceased its functions" the statement said, adding that Randrianirina will appoint a new prime minister "in line with the provisions stipulated by the constitution".
Officials did not provide any explanation for the sweeping dismissal.
The decision comes months after Randrianirina assumed power in October following the removal of Andry Rajoelina. The military takeover came after weeks of protests that spread across the country, largely organised by young activists frustrated with ongoing shortages of electricity and water.
The demonstrations grew in intensity as living conditions worsened, eventually prompting the army to back the protesters. The unrest led to the fall of Rajoelina, who had earlier secured a third presidential term after a 2023 election that was widely contested.
After taking control, Randrianirina promised that the military leadership would oversee a temporary transition and organise national elections within two years.
Regional leaders have also been pushing for a clear timetable for the return to democratic governance. In December, the Southern African Development Community called on Madagascar’s authorities to present a roadmap outlining steps toward restoring civilian rule, including preparations for fresh elections by the end of February.
Against this backdrop, Monday’s announcement that the entire government had been dismissed came as an unexpected development.
Following the decision, permanent secretaries have been instructed to oversee the routine operations of government ministries until a new cabinet is named.
Although the reasons for the move remain unclear, the action comes amid growing frustration from youth groups that were central to the protests that brought the military to power.
Leaders of the Gen Z movement have recently been urging the authorities to broaden participation in the transition process and ensure that young people and civic groups are more involved in shaping the country’s future.
Groups identifying themselves as the Gen Z and Gen Y movements have also voiced dissatisfaction with the pace of change under the current leadership. Reports in local media indicate that these groups recently issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding that Randrianirina step down.
Their criticism has also been directed at decisions made during the transition period.
Soon after the military takeover, businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo was chosen as prime minister in October. The appointment was presented as an effort to create a working relationship between the military leadership and civilian administration.
However, the choice was strongly opposed by leaders of the Gen Z movement, who argued that the decision had been made in a "non-transparent" manner and "without consultation".
The activists questioned the basis on which Rajaonarivelo had been selected, pointing to what they described as his links to the previous administration.
According to the group, the appointment failed to represent the deeper reforms that protesters had demanded during the demonstrations.
They said the decision "runs contrary to the desired structural change" the movement was seeking.
The removal of the government now signals another turning point in Madagascar’s evolving political situation. With the cabinet dissolved and a new prime minister yet to be appointed, the military leadership is expected to form a fresh administration as it continues to manage the country’s transition.
The development may reshape the political landscape as the leadership works toward establishing a new government while facing calls for faster progress toward democratic elections.