Michaël Randrianirina

Madagascar
Crackdown on Rajoelina circle continues

Led by the new head of state, this campaign against supporters of the former president is now also targeting the close associates of Maminiaina Ravatomanga, known as "Mamy", who is currently detained in Mauritius.

Madagascar
Freemasonry regains its footing after the coup

Shaken by the fall of former president Andry Rajoelina in October 2025, Malagasy freemasonry is gradually finding its feet again.

Central African Republic, Madagascar
Close Touadéra allies deepen Bangui–Antananarivo axis

A pair of special advisers to the Central African president was received by the head of the Malagasy junta, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, just after he sent an emissary to the Central African capital for talks with senior Wagner figures.

Madagascar
Former Andry Rajoelina supporters purged

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, now leading Madagascar's Refoundation, has moved swiftly against those close to the former president. Several of his associates have been forced to flee, while others are already in detention.

The New Guard
Namibia, Algeria, Madagascar

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

NamibiaMtundeni Ndafyaalako, surprise appointment at helm of national oil firm

AlgeriaLynda Tezkratt, expert in African technical certification

MadagascarElliot Randriamandrato, speaking out for Gen Z

Madagascar
Former Senate speaker Rakotovao candidate as ambassador to Brussels

Former interim president and ex-Senate speaker under Hery Rajaonarimampianina, he aspires to lead the Malagasy chancellery in Brussels and replace Jean-Omer Beriziky, whose diplomatic career was swept out from under his feet by the customary reshuffle of ambassadors that takes place when a new administration takes office.

Palace Intrigues
"Siteny", Wagner, Faure Gnassingbé

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

MadagascarNational Assembly speaker worms way into Colonel Randrianirina's Paris delegation

Central AfricaRussia tests propaganda machine on French aid worker's arrest

West AfricaFaure Gnassingbé hosts ECOWAS 50th anniversary

Madagascar
A former politician resurfaces alongside Randrianirina

The discreet appointment of José Vianey as general coordinator of the Refoundation advisory council on 17 February marks the former diplomat’s return to Madagascar’s political arena.

Madagascar
Business delegation to travel to Paris in wake of Randrianirina's Paris visit

Three members of the GEM Malagasy employers' group will travel to Paris this month. Organised with French business group MEDEF International, the visit aims to produce a structured roadmap and promote numerous projects.

Palace Intrigues
Rachel Ruto, Michael Randrianirina, Saif al-Islam

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

KenyaRachel Ruto set to enter the presidential campaign

MadagascarFrom Rajoelina to Randrianirina, businessman Nasser Goulamhoussen tends to his varying networks

Libya-FranceRelatives of ‘martyr' Saif al-Islam Gaddafi organise ceremony

Madagascar
Junta and Rajoelina face off from afar at SADC and AU

Colonel Michaël Randrianirina must submit a detailed roadmap for the transition by the end of February, as demanded by the regional organisation of Southern African states, while the African Union is not currently considering lifting Madagascar's suspension.

Madagascar
National Assembly Speaker 'Siteny' received by French presidency

France is working to diversify its contacts in Antananarivo among the emerging figures of the regime led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina. In a still uncertain political climate on the island, Paris is keen to safeguard its interests and ongoing cooperation projects.

Kenya, Madagascar
Dilemma over sending Africa-France summit invite to Malagasy junta

Suspended from the African Union following Colonel Michael Randrianirina's seizure of power, Madagascar remains excluded from the organisation's bodies until the next elections. As such, the Kenyan government is hesitant to invite the junta to the talks, despite Paris's more favourable position.