Madagascar’s new ruler, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, vowed Friday that ex-president Andry Rajoelina will face trial for alleged crimes.
Randrianirina accused Rajoelina of ordering violence against demonstrators during unrest that forced him to flee the island in October.
Youth-led protests began in September over persistent water and power shortages, escalating into nationwide demonstrations met with deadly government crackdowns.
The colonel said his CAPSAT army unit’s support for protesters on October 14 forced Rajoelina to flee, aided secretly by French forces.
Rajoelina’s escape outraged many citizens demanding accountability, although France’s intervention, Randrianirina said, temporarily stabilised the volatile situation on the island.
“There were injuries, there were human losses. Our wish is to try him in Madagascar,” the colonel told France24.
He accused Rajoelina of impoverishing the nation and blamed him for the violence and bullet wounds inflicted on protesters.
Randrianirina also named Rajoelina’s wealthy ally, Maminiaina “Mamy” Ravatomanga, who fled to Mauritius, as a target for justice.
“Our resources have been plundered,” the colonel said, promising accountability for both political and economic crimes under Rajoelina’s administration.
Randrianirina outlined plans for a national consultation next week, followed by a constitutional referendum and elections within two years.
Asked about his political ambitions, he said, “Right now, I am working and I am not thinking about being a candidate at this time.”
He denied seizing power in a coup, claiming the Constitutional Court legally transferred authority to him after Rajoelina’s departure.
The colonel confirmed he had consulted French President Emmanuel Macron and welcomed continued French support for Madagascar’s transition.
On international cooperation, he added, “We are open to all types of collaboration,” addressing recent diplomatic overtures, including a Moscow visit.
