Michael Randrianirina
Military to Presidency: The Global History of Soldiers Who Became National Leaders
Oct 18, 2025 04:26 pm CST
This article examines the historical pattern of military officers rising to presidential power, highlighting five significant examples from around the world including Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing, Uganda's Idi Amin, Turkey's Kenan Evren, Ghana's Jerry Rawlings, and Chile's Augusto Pinochet. Following recent events in Madagascar where Colonel Michael Randrianirina took control after protests forced President Rajoelina into exile, these cases demonstrate how military figures have repeatedly transitioned from barracks to presidential palaces, often with profound consequences for their nations.
Madagascar's New Military Leadership: Colonel Randrianirina Assumes Presidency Following Political Upheaval
Oct 17, 2025 09:17 pm CST
Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as Madagascar's president following a military power transition that ousted former President Andry Rajoelina. The new leader has promised comprehensive reforms for the impoverished nation, where protests over chronic electricity shortages evolved into a widespread movement backed by military forces. International delegations attended the inauguration as Madagascar experiences its third military transition since independence in 1960.