(In paragraph 10, corrects year of Madagascar’s independence to 1960, not 2020)
ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) -Madagascar’s military-led government, which seized power this month, appointed a cabinet on Tuesday of mostly civilian ministers, including some prominent critics of ousted president Andry Rajoelina.
The appointments mark a key moment in Madagascar’s political turmoil as the military consolidates power while it tries to address economic hardship and political divisions.
The military staged a coup earlier this month after Rajoelina fled the Indian Ocean island nation following weeks of youth-led protests. Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as interim president days later.
MILITARY-LED PANEL TO RULE FOR UP TO TWO YEARS
Randrianirina has said that a committee led by the military will rule for up to two years alongside a transitional government until new elections can be organised.
The cabinet of new Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, announced on national broadcaster TVM, includes 25 civilians and four military or paramilitary officers.
Christine Razanamahasoa, who was stripped of her position as president of the national assembly by Rajoelina’s party last year, was named foreign minister, while Fanirisoa Ernaivo, a Rajoelina opponent living in exile, was named justice minister.
Economics professor Hery Ramiarison was appointed finance minister.
Security officials were appointed to the ministries of the armed forces, public security, land planning and the gendarmerie.
GOVERNMENT TO ADDRESS CHRONIC POWER, WATER SHORTAGES
The government will be tasked with addressing the chronic power and water shortages that triggered the protests against Rajoelina, as well as broader economic challenges.
Between 1960, when Madagascar won independence from France, and 2020, economic output per capita nearly halved, World Bank data shows.
There was no immediate reaction from protest leaders to the cabinet appointments.
Rajoelina, impeached by lawmakers after he fled abroad, has condemned the army takeover and refused to step down while in exile, despite the High Constitutional Court ratifying the new government.
(Reporting by Lovasoa Rabary; Writing by George Obulutsa and Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Aaron Ross and Bernadette Baum)
