Ramaphosa Receives Madagascar’s President Michaël Randrianirina Following Turbulent Transition

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hosted Madagascar’s President, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, at Mahlamba Ndlopfu in Pretoria for a working visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and discussing regional issues of mutual interest, according to the South African Presidency.

The visit comes in the aftermath of a turbulent political transition in Madagascar, which has faced recurring instability since independence. Former president Andry Rajoelina was removed from office in October 2025 following mounting protests, internal security divisions, and allegations of authoritarian rule. As the crisis deepened, Rajoelina fled the country, clearing the way for a military-influenced transitional process.

Colonel Randrianirina emerged as a central figure during the transition. Previously a critic of Rajoelina, he was arrested in November 2023 on charges related to mutiny and an alleged coup attempt but was released in February 2024 after receiving a suspended sentence and later reinstated at the CAPSAT military academy. Madagascar’s Constitutional Court subsequently confirmed him as president, ruling that the transition complied with constitutional requirements.

Madagascar, a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), remains strategically important to the Southern African region. While the court’s ruling helped avert further instability, concerns persist over the continuing influence of the military in the country’s political affairs.