Andry Rajoelina

Andry Rajoelina
Name	Andry Rajoelina
Birth date	30 May 1974
Birth place	Antsirabe, Madagascar
Nationality	Malagasy
Occupation	Politician; Entrepreneur
Office	President of Madagascar
Term start	2019

Andry Rajoelina

Andry Rajoelina is a Malagasy politician and entrepreneur who has served as President of Madagascar since 2019. He first gained international attention as a young mayor and media magnate who led a political movement that toppled the administration of Marc Ravalomanana in 2009, presided over a transitional authority, and later returned to constitutional office. His career intersects with figures, institutions, and events across African, Indian Ocean, and international politics.

Early life and education

Born in Antsirabe, Rajoelina attended local schools before moving to Antananarivo for secondary studies. He trained in computer science and information technology, drawing on influences from regional commercial centres such as Toamasina and international hubs like Paris and Dubai through business contacts. During his formative years he encountered political actors from provincial constituencies, including representatives linked to the administrations of Philippe Gabriel-era municipal councils and networks associated with Malagasy civic associations. His education combined technical vocational instruction with entrepreneurial internships common among Malagasy youth seeking ties to organisations such as Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Madagascar and multinational firms operating in the Indian Ocean basin.

Business career and media ventures

Rajoelina built a media and advertising portfolio centred in Antananarivo, launching radio and television outlets that competed with established broadcasters linked to groups like Canal+ and BBC. He founded and expanded an advertising agency and electronic media platforms that drew audiences from urban centres including Fianarantsoa and Mahajanga. Through these ventures he interacted with corporate entities such as Orange S.A., regional media houses, and private investors from South Africa and Mauritius. His media holdings gave him a public profile comparable to other African media proprietors, producing programming with ties to cultural institutions such as the National Center for Music and commercial partnerships with companies modelled after Vivendi subsidiaries.

Political rise and 2009-2014 Transition

Rajoelina entered electoral politics as Mayor of Antananarivo, defeating municipal incumbents and engaging with national politicians from parties like Tiako I Madagasikara and AREMA. He led mass protests in 2009 against President Marc Ravalomanana, mobilising civic groups, youth organisations, and journalists linked to private broadcasters. The unrest culminated in Ravalomanana's ouster and Rajoelina's assumption of executive authority through a transitional entity that collaborated with leaders from South Africa, France, United Nations envoys, and the Southern African Development Community. The transition involved negotiations with military figures, regional mediators from Mauritius and Seychelles, and international organisations, setting a precedent recalled in later constitutional disputes involving the Constitutional Court of Madagascar and electoral commissions.

Presidency (2019–present)

In 2019 Rajoelina won a presidential election contested by opponents aligned with parties such as Tiako I Madagasikara and personalities including Hery Rajaonarimampianina and Marc Ravalomanana. His inauguration followed campaigns that emphasised infrastructure projects and social programs similar to initiatives championed by leaders in Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The administration engaged with multilateral lenders like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and the African Development Bank to finance development corridors and public health responses, while coordinating with neighbouring states including Mozambique and Comoros on regional security and trade.

Domestic policies and governance

Domestic initiatives under Rajoelina prioritised large-scale projects in transportation and urban renewal, echoing schemes from capitals such as Antananarivo and comparable to programs in Dakar and Accra. His government launched vaccination and public health campaigns in collaboration with agencies like the World Health Organization and non-governmental organisations active in Madagascar, while promoting agriculture and mining partnerships with investors from China and India. Administrative reforms involved appointments and dismissals within ministries connected to institutions such as the High Authority of the Press and the Audit Office of Madagascar, and legislative engagements with the National Assembly of Madagascar and the Senate of Madagascar.

Foreign policy and international relations

Rajoelina’s foreign policy balanced relations with former colonial power France, emerging partners China and India, and regional bodies including the African Union and the Southern African Development Community. His government negotiated bilateral agreements on fisheries and port development with Mauritius and South Africa, while courting investment from conglomerates based in United Arab Emirates and Singapore. He engaged in climate and biodiversity diplomacy at forums such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference and collaborated with conservation organisations operating in Madagascar’s parks, many of which partner with institutions like Madagascar National Parks and international research centres.

Controversies and legal issues

Rajoelina’s career has been marked by controversies and legal challenges involving allegations of unconstitutional practices during the 2009 transition, disputes adjudicated by the Constitutional Court of Madagascar, and inquiries by domestic tribunals. His tenure has prompted scrutiny from international observers including delegations associated with the European Union and the United Nations concerning electoral procedures and human rights reports issued by organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Business dealings, media ownership, and appointments have drawn criticism from opposition figures, high-profile rivals, and civil society coalitions, leading to legal filings in courts that referenced statutes overseen by the Ministry of Justice of Madagascar and debates in the National Assembly of Madagascar.

Category:Presidents of Madagascar Category:Madagascar politicians Category:1974 births Category:Living people