Richard Randriamandrato backed by the government

He possesses the necessary skills for this essential role. The background of Richard Randriamandrato, the candidate presented by Madagascar for the presidency of the African Union Commission, was highlighted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

According to her, it is well-known that he previously served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and then as the Minister of Economy and Finance, as stated during a press briefing in Anosy. She also emphasized the candidate’s extensive experience in Africa, particularly his time at the Secretariat of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). She insists that he meets all the conditions and fulfills all the criteria.

The first name mentioned for the Malagasy candidacy was former President Hery Rajaonarimampianina, but the Malagasy authorities never confirmed it. Eventually, the name of Richard Randriamandrato, who served as Minister of Economy and Finance from January 2019 to August 2021, and as Minister of Foreign Affairs from March to October 2022, was put forward by the State. Less than ten months after his official appointment in Anosy, Richard Randriamandrato was dismissed following Madagascar’s favorable vote on the United Nations resolution condemning the « illegal annexations by Russia in Ukraine ».