Hyppolite Ramaroson

Vice Admiral Hippolite Rarison Ramaroson (born 28 September 1951) is a Malagasy vice admiral and politician. During the 2009 Malagasy political crisis and after President Marc Ravalomanana stepped down, he served as acting President of Madagascar as “Head of the Military Directorate” for several hours on 17 March 2009, before transferring power to Andry Rajoelina. He was Minister of Foreign Affairs and one of three Vice Prime Ministers in the High Transitional Authority from 2010 to 2011.

Early life Ramaroson was born on 28 September 1951 in Tananarive (Antananarivo), then the capital of French Madagascar.

Career Ramaroson joined the Madagascar Armed Forces, enlisting in the Aeronaval Force, which includes both Madagascar's navy and air force. He rose to the rank of vice admiral.

Acting President of Madagascar On 17 March 2009, after months of intense protests, President Marc Ravalomanana resigned. He left a signed note in which he assigned power to Ramaroson as head of the new "military directorate." The military leadership called Ravalomanana's action a "ploy" and supported opposition leader Andry Rajoelina. He said in the video, "We have categorically rejected the [military] authority that Ravalomanana asked us to set up after his resignation."

Later career On 24 February 2010, Ramaroson was appointed Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs by President Rajoelina. He took possession of his offices the next morning, 25 February.

Ramaroson stepped down as Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in March 2011.

Personal life Ramaroson is married to Joelle Jacky Rajao. They have three children, Hary, Tantely, and Geraldine.