GILLES ANDRIAMAHAZO

Gilles Andriamahazo was born on May 5, 1919, in Fort Dauphin, located in Madagascar's Anosy Region. He embarked on a military career early in life, enlisting in the French army on December 14, 1942, after completing high school. During World War II, he served as a sergeant with the Free French Forces, following a Franco-British agreement that placed Madagascar under the authority of Free France. In 1944, he attended the Joint Military Academy of Cherchell, where he trained as an officer cadet and subsequently became a lieutenant in 1949.

Returning to Madagascar in 1950, Andriamahazo served as an aide to the high commissioner Robert Bargues. His military career saw him involved in various conflicts, including operations in Algeria against nationalist movements and command positions in Dreux. By the time Madagascar gained independence in 1960, he held the rank of commander and soon returned to the island to take on leadership roles, including a command in Tulear and later rising to the rank of brigadier general in the General Staff by 1970. He also served as the inspector general of the armed forces and civil service, and during the political turmoil of 1972, he was appointed military governor by President Philibert Tsiranana.

On February 5, 1975, President Gabriel Ramanantsoa resigned amid efforts to unify the government and handed over power to Colonel Richard Ratsimandrava. Tragically, Ratsimandrava was assassinated just days later, on February 11, prompting the formation of a National Military Directorate to restore order. Andriamahazo played a crucial role during this period, declaring martial law and enforcing strict censorship, which allowed him to address the nation effectively. When students protested against the government's actions, he notably engaged with the crowd, assuring them that their children would be returned home safely. This act earned him considerable respect and trust from the people of Antananarivo.

As the chairman of the National Military Leadership Committee, Andriamahazo served as the military president of Madagascar from February to June 1975. His leadership was pivotal in preventing a potential civil war during the tense aftermath of Ratsimandrava's assassination. Under his authority, a new constitution was adopted, transforming the Malagasy Republic into the Democratic Republic of Madagascar.

On June 15, 1975, Andriamahazo resigned, paving the way for Admiral Didier Ratsiraka to take charge as head of state and president of the newly formed Supreme Revolutionary Council. Ratsiraka's ascendance helped ease ethnic tensions, as he represented the Betsimisaraka ethnic group and was seen as a unifying figure among various leftist factions and social groups.

Following his political career, Gilles Andriamahazo was promoted to major general and became the chairman of the military committee for development before retiring in 1976. He passed away on September 13, 1989, at the age of 70.

Reference: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/africa/ma-pres-andriamahazo.htm