The name of Madagascar's President Michael Randrianireina and his wife has been making headlines in recent hours, after the Madagascan presidency announced that an assassination attempt targeting the president had been thwarted.

The Madagascan presidency explained in a statement that five drones flew over the presidential residence before being forced to leave by jamming systems belonging to the presidential security service.

Who is the president of Madagascar?

Over the past year, Michael Randrianireina's name has transformed from a virtually unknown figure to many in Madagascar to the most powerful man in the country, after he was sworn in as president, following rapid political and military developments.

Randrianyrina’s rise began when, as commander of Madagascar’s elite military unit, he moved into the heart of the capital, where he and his forces joined thousands of protesters demanding the resignation of then-President Andry Rajoelina.

Days after the ouster of Madagascar's former president, Randrianireina appeared in front of the presidential palace and announced that the army had taken control of the government, confirming that the elite military unit he leads is running the country.

The Constitutional Court then announced his appointment as the new president, despite the ousted president's insistence that he was still in power.

What do we know about the President of Madagascar?

He was born in 1974 in the village of Sifohibouti in the Androy region of the south of the country.

He served as Governor of the Androy region between 2016 and 2018.

He commanded an infantry battalion in the city of Toliara until 2022.

Randrianirena is known for his sharp criticism of former President Andry Rajoelina.

He was arrested in November 2023 and placed in a high-security prison without trial, and was charged with inciting rebellion and plotting a coup.
He was released from prison in February 2024 under pressure from students, military personnel, and politicians who considered his imprisonment to be politically motivated.

He is known for his adherence to the Christian faith and is described as simple but strict, frank and patriotic.

He adopts clear positions regarding the French colonial legacy.