• Col. Michael Randrianirina appointed Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as Madagascar's prime minister.
• The appointment follows a military takeover amid anti-government protests.
• Rajaonarivelo, former chairman of BNI, promises collaboration with international organizations.
• Protests were fueled by water and electricity shortages, leading to Rajoelina's impeachment.
• Randrianirina vowed to establish a civilian government and hold elections soon.

Madagascar's interim President Col. Michael Randrianirina has officially appointed businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the new prime minister following last week's military takeover. This came after Randrianirina was sworn in on Friday, succeeding the ousted President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country amid national unrest. Protests had erupted over severe water and electricity shortages, steadily escalating into demands for Rajoelina's resignation, according to aa, africanews, and lemonde.

In his announcement, Randrianirina highlighted Rajaonarivelo's "experience" and connections with international organizations, which are vital for Madagascar's collaboration efforts. Before this role, Rajaonarivelo served as the chairman of BNI (Banque nationale de l'industrie), one of the key financial institutions in Madagascar. The new prime minister's appointment follows the rapid geopolitical shifts prompted by the recent unrest and Rajoelina's condemnation of the military takeover, reports africanews and lemonde.

Amidst calls for a complete governmental overhaul, Randrianirina has promised to establish a civilian government and hold elections within the constitutional timeline. The High Constitutional Court has urged Randrianirina to comply with constitutional mandates for elections to foster national stability. He stated that his government will work with "all the driving forces of the nation" to ensure a collaborative political atmosphere, according to aa, africanews, and lemonde.