Andry Nirina Rajoelina (born 1974) is a Malagasy entrepreneur and politician who has been a central, often disruptive, force in Madagascar’s political landscape for over a decade. He is a multi-time leader of the island nation, having served in three distinct periods, including seizing power through a coup d’état and winning two subsequent democratic elections.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Andry Nirina Rajoelina |
| Born | May 30, 1974, Antsirabe, Madagascar |
| Political Party | Tanora malaGasy Vonona (TGV) (“Young Malagasies Determined”) |
| Key Titles | President of Madagascar (2019–2025); President of the High Transitional Authority (2009–2014) |
| Former Office | Mayor of Antananarivo (2007–2009) |
| Nickname | TGV (After the French high-speed train, symbolizing his fast-paced style) |
| Current Status | Impeached and fled the country in October 2025. |
Entrepreneurial Rise and Mayoralty
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From DJ to Tycoon: Rajoelina began his career in the entertainment industry as a successful disc jockey (DJ) and event promoter. In 1999, he launched Injet, a successful digital printing and advertising company. In 2007, he expanded his media holdings by purchasing and rebranding a TV and radio network as Viva.
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Mayor of Antananarivo: In 2007, at the age of 33, he was elected Mayor of the capital, Antananarivo, under his newly formed party, TGV. His youth and modern, fast-paced political style quickly made him a charismatic opposition figure.
The 2009 Coup and Transitional Authority
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Conflict with Ravalomanana: As mayor, Rajoelina became the chief rival to then-President Marc Ravalomanana. The conflict escalated over city debts and Rajoelina’s media outlets.
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Seizure of Power: In early 2009, Rajoelina led a series of mass street protests against Ravalomanana, accusing him of misrule. Backed by military forces, Rajoelina forced Ravalomanana to resign. On March 17, 2009, Rajoelina seized power and declared himself the President of the High Transitional Authority (HTA).
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International Isolation: The takeover was widely condemned as a coup d’état by the international community, leading to Madagascar’s suspension from the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the withdrawal of significant foreign aid. He held the HTA presidency until 2014.
Elected Presidency and Recent Downfall
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First Elected Term (2019–2023): Barred from running in 2013 by regional mediation efforts, Rajoelina ran and won the 2018 presidential election, officially marking his return to power through the ballot box. His term was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic and a severe drought-induced famine in the south, during which he controversially promoted an untested herbal tonic, Covid-Organics, as a cure.
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Second Elected Term (2023–2025): Rajoelina was re-elected in 2023, though the election was boycotted by major opposition figures, citing his French nationality (revealed in 2023) as a disqualifying factor.
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2025 Crisis and Impeachment: In September and October 2025, Rajoelina faced widespread student protests and civil unrest over corruption, economic hardship, and massive water and power cuts. Facing mounting pressure and threats of a coup, he fled the country in mid-October 2025, stating he had done so for his own safety. Following his flight, the National Assembly impeached him, and the country transitioned to military rule.
Andry Rajoelina’s political life is a dramatic cycle of popular challenge, non-constitutional power grabs, and, ultimately, an inability to resolve Madagascar’s deep-seated issues of poverty and political instability.