Madagascar Military Ruler Dissolves Govt, No Reason Given

Madagascar’s military ruler, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has dissolved the government, dismissing the prime minister and the entire cabinet. No reason was given for the move.

The announcement said the government had ceased its functions and that a new prime minister would be appointed in line with the constitution. Permanent secretaries were tasked with running ministries in the interim. The now-dismissed Cabinet was made up of civilian ministers, military officials, and critics of Rajoelina.

Colonel Randrianirina came to power following demonstrations that began last September in response to water and power shortages, but which soon snowballed into anti-government protests that the Rajoelina administration tried and failed to suppress violently. Randrianirina has pledged to call new elections within two years.