A Sworn Oath and a Broken Trust: The General Who Stole a Revolution
There is a moment in the life of a nation when the future seems to hang in the balance. It is often marked by a public ceremony a speech, a signing, a sworn oath. In Madagascar this week, that moment arrived as Colonel Michael Randrianirina stood before the nation, his hand on a constitution, and was sworn in as the country’s new president.
The scene was designed to project order and legitimacy. But the path to this ceremony was paved with chaos, betrayal, and the blood of young protesters. Colonel Randrianirina, the military coup leader who just days ago seized control of the government, has now cloaked himself in the title of president. His rise to power is not a story of a clean election or a peaceful transition. It is a story of how a military leader watched a youth-led revolution from the sidelines, and then, when the time was right, stepped in to steal its victory.
The Spark of the “Gen Z” Uprising
The crisis began with the young people. For weeks, the streets of Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, were filled with a new kind of protester. They were students, young professionals, and activists, many of them part of a generation that has only known political instability and economic hardship. They called their movement the “Gen Z” protests.
Their demand was simple and powerful: the resignation of the previous president. They accused him of corruption and of failing to improve their lives. They were not aligned with any old political party or powerful figure. Their power came from their numbers, their energy, and their moral clarity. They carried signs and used social media to organize, believing that their collective voice could force a change.
For a time, it seemed they might succeed. The protests grew so large and so determined that the country’s parliament moved to impeach the president. It was a stunning victory for people power. The young activists had, through sheer force of will, toppled a sitting government.
The Vultures Circle
But in the power vacuum that followed, other forces were waiting. While the young protesters celebrated, the old structures of power the military and political elites were already maneuvering.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a high-ranking military officer with ambitions of his own, saw his opportunity. He watched as the “Gen Z” movement created a crisis but lacked a clear plan for what would come next. The political parties were in disarray. The moment was ripe for a strongman to step forward.
Declaring that the nation was descending into chaos and that the military had to act to ensure stability, Colonel Randrianirina ordered his troops to seize key government buildings. Tanks rolled into the streets. The very military that had stood by during the protests now moved to take control, effectively staging a coup.
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The table below outlines the key stages of this dramatic takeover:
| Stage | Key Actors | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| The Uprising | “Gen Z” Protesters | Mass demonstrations lead to the impeachment of the previous president. |
| The Power Vacuum | Political Parties | A lack of clear leadership creates instability and confusion. |
| The Coup | Colonel Randrianirina & The Military | The army seizes control, arguing it is necessary to restore order. |
| The Consolidation | Colonel Randrianirina | The coup leader is sworn in as the new president. |
A Swearing-In Amidst Skepticism
The swearing in ceremony was the final act of this takeover. Colonel Randrianirina, now President Randrianirina, promised to guide the nation to a new, democratic election. He spoke of unity and a fresh start.
But for the young protesters who started it all, these words ring hollow. They feel a profound sense of betrayal. Their revolution, built on hopes for a more democratic and accountable government, has been hijacked. They did not risk their lives to replace one powerful leader with another, especially one who took power by force.
The international community is watching with deep concern. Neighboring countries and global powers have issued cautious statements, many refusing to immediately recognize the new regime. They are calling for a swift return to civilian rule and genuine democratic processes.
The story of Madagascar is a cautionary tale. It shows the immense power of youth and popular movements. But it also shows the fragility of their victories. The old guards of power the generals and the elites are often patient. They know that while the young can start a fire, it is much harder for them to control it. For now, the man in the presidential palace is not a representative of the “Gen Z” generation. He is the general who watched their revolution from the shadows, and then walked through the door they had opened.
Author: Yasir Khan
Date: 17 Oct, 2025
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