Joel Rakotomalala

Joël Rakotomalala (Toliara Province, 29 March 1929 – Antsirabe, 30 July 1976) was a Malagasy military officer and politician.

Biography Colonel of the Madagascar People's Armed Forces, he was Prime Minister and minister of defense of the Democratic Republic of Madagascar from 11 January 1976 to his death, under the presidency of Admiral Didier Ratsiraka. He was a member of the Association for the Rebirth of Madagascar. He died in the accident of an Aérospatiale Alouette III transport helicopter during a short flight with the chief of staff Alphonse Rakotonirainy on 30 July 1976, the last month of the presence of the French Armed Forces in Madagascar. He was replaced on 12 August as prime minister by Justin Rakotoniaina. In view of the inflamed political situation, the accident gave rise to suspicions of sabotage.