Madagascar's Military Coup: A Photographic Journalist's Exclusive Interview

Photographer Brian Inganga's persistence paid off when he landed an exclusive interview with Col. Michael Randrianirina, the leader of the CAPSAT military unit that ousted Madagascar's president, Andry Rajoelina. Inganga, along with video journalist Nqobile Ntshangase, secured the sit-down interview after a series of phone calls and a visit to the military barracks, providing an inside look at the events leading up to the coup and the new military leader's plans for the future.

Key Takeaways:

• Col. Michael Randrianirina, the leader of the CAPSAT military unit, was initially hesitant to grant an interview but eventually agreed after multiple phone calls and a visit to the military barracks.
• Inganga and Nqobile Ntshangase were able to secure the exclusive interview by introducing themselves to Randrianirina at a protest square and following up with multiple phone calls.
• The interview took place in Randrianirina's office, where he announced his plan to become Madagascar's next president and be sworn in within the next few days.
• The journalist duo had to overcome multiple barriers, including being stopped by soldiers at the security gate and dealing with misunderstandings about the purpose of the visit.
• Randrianirina's office was busy with politicians, a priest, and an imam waiting to meet with him, highlighting the significance of the military takeover.

Statistics:

• Over a dozen phone calls were made to Col. Randrianirina's number before he finally agreed to meet with the journalists.
• The interview took place in a busy military barracks with many soldiers present.
• The colonel's office had a soldier at the door and two of his officers present during the meeting.
• Randrianirina expected to be sworn in as president within the next few days.
• The published article was a joint effort between the Associated Press, with a byline of "Via AP news wire".

Sources:

• AP news wire
• The Associated Press