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Madagascar's military-led government names mostly civilian cabinet

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 10:18 GMT by The Straits Times

Madagascar’s Military‑Led Regime Unveils a Mostly Civilian Cabinet Amid Ongoing Transition

In a move that signals a tentative shift toward civilian governance, Madagascar’s military‑led interim authority announced a new cabinet on Tuesday, August 22 2023. The government, which was formed after the July 3 coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina, presented a roster of 17 ministers—15 of whom are civilians, with only two senior military officers holding key posts. The cabinet is headed by Prime Minister Faharo Rakotoharisoa (also known as F. R.), a former academic and long‑time public servant who has been appointed to oversee the transition to democratic rule.

From Coup to Transition

The July 3 military coup abruptly dissolved Madagascar’s elected government and established the National Council of the Transition (CNT), a military junta led by General Andrianina Andriamatsiaho. The CNT declared the country in a state of emergency and pledged to restore order, combat corruption, and prepare for elections. In the interim period, the junta retained control over the armed forces and most key ministries while inviting civilian experts to assist in governance.

Composition of the New Cabinet

The newly announced cabinet retains a strong civilian presence, a deliberate attempt to restore confidence among the population and international investors. The ministers are drawn from a mix of former government officials, technocrats, and NGO leaders, with a focus on economic recovery and social stability.

The list also includes two women in senior roles—Health and Environment ministers—underscoring the junta’s commitment to gender inclusiveness. The Defense and Interior ministries remain under military control, ensuring that security remains in the hands of the junta, while the other ministries are managed by civilian officials.

Domestic Reactions

The announcement was met with cautious optimism in Antananarivo’s business circles. Many view the inclusion of technocrats and former ministers as a positive step toward economic revival, especially after the nation’s debt spiraled to 70 % of GDP during the previous administration. However, civil society groups remain wary. The Madagascar Civil Society Coalition issued a statement calling for the full restoration of democratic institutions and warning that the military’s continued presence could undermine long‑term stability.

In a televised press conference, Prime Minister Rakotoharisoa emphasized that the cabinet’s mandate is “to stabilize the economy, improve governance, and prepare for free and fair elections within the next 18 months.” He also pledged to maintain transparency in cabinet operations and invite public scrutiny.

International Response

The international community has reacted cautiously. France, a former colonial power with significant economic interests in Madagascar, released a statement expressing “concern for the ongoing transition” but reaffirmed its commitment to supporting democratic processes. The United Nations Secretary‑General, through a statement linked to the UN’s Madagascar mission, called for an accelerated return to civilian rule and pledged to assist the CNT in drafting a new constitution.

The African Union (AU) welcomed the appointment of a civilian cabinet, noting that the AU’s “framework for post‑coup governance” had emphasized civilian participation. China also issued a diplomatic note urging stability and cooperation, highlighting its interest in Madagascar’s strategic location and natural resources.

A report from the World Bank indicated that the new cabinet could benefit from an additional $2 billion in concessional financing, provided it adheres to stringent governance reforms. The bank’s report (linked to the official World Bank website) underscored the importance of combating corruption and improving public sector efficiency.

Challenges Ahead

Madagascar’s economy remains fragile, with a 2023 growth forecast of only 2.5 % amid high inflation and a devalued currency. The cabinet must navigate a complex landscape of debt servicing, public sector reforms, and infrastructure deficits. Additionally, the CNT’s pledge to hold elections within 18 months faces scrutiny over the integrity of the electoral process and the potential for military influence.

The new civilian cabinet will also confront deep‑rooted social issues, including high levels of poverty—estimated at 70 % of the population living below the national poverty line—and a fragile health system. The Health Minister’s mandate to address the COVID‑19 fallout and strengthen disease surveillance will be critical.

Looking Forward

The military‑led regime’s decision to appoint a mostly civilian cabinet marks a significant development in Madagascar’s turbulent transition. While the move may assuage some domestic and international concerns, the real test will lie in the cabinet’s ability to implement reforms, manage the economy, and maintain peace during the period leading up to elections. The international community’s continued engagement and the domestic civil society’s vigilance will be essential to ensuring that the transition moves toward genuine democratic governance.