Gilles Andriamahazo

General Gilles Andriamahazo (5 May 1919 – 13 September 1989) was a Malagasy general and political figure. Originally he was a Merina and served as the military president of Madagascar (Chairman of the National Military Leadership Committee) between 12 February and 15 June 1975.

Gilles Andriamahazo
President of Madagascar
In office 12 February 1975 – 15 June 1975
Preceded by	Richard Ratsimandrava
Succeeded by	Didier Ratsiraka
Personal details
Born	5 May 1919 Fort Dauphin, Madagascar
Died	13 September 1989 (aged 70) Antananarivo, Madagascar

Early life and military career

Born in Fort Dauphin, Anosy Region on 13 May[1] 1919, he followed a military career. During World War II Andriamahazo served in the French Army and participated in the French military campaign against Algerian nationalists in the 1950s. He retired as an army officer in 1976.[2]

Government

He was the successor of Richard Ratsimandrava after the latter's assassination. He served as head of state from 12 February to 15 June 1975, when he resigned in favour of Didier Ratsiraka. He is widely credited with having prevented an outbreak of civil war during the tension that followed Colonel Ratsimandrava's assassination.[2] He died of a heart attack at the age of 70, on 14 September 1989.[2]

References

1. Biography at s9.com, accessed 10 March 2009.
2. Obituary at New York Times, 15 September 1989, retrieved 10 March 2009.