Joël Rakotomalala (Toliara Province, 29 March 1929 – Antsirabe, 30 July 1976) was a Malagasy military officer and politician.
Joël Rakotomalala | |
|---|---|
| 9th Prime Minister of Madagascar | |
| In office 11 January 1976 – 30 July 1976 | |
| President | Didier Ratsiraka |
| Preceded by | Office Reestablished |
| Succeeded by | Justin Rakotoniaina |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 March 1929 Toliara Province, French Madagascar |
| Died | 30 July 1976 (aged 47) Antsirabe, Democratic Republic of Madagascar |
| Cause of death | Helicopter accident |
| Nationality |  Malagasy |
| Political party | AREMA |
Biography
Colonel of the Madagascar People's Armed Forces, he was Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Madagascar from 13 January 1976 to his death,[1] 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,[2] 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.[1]
The accident
The maximum seven-seat transport helicopter, with more than 40 kilograms of luggage, took off from Antananarivo on 30 July 1976 for several successive flights. It crashed at the third stage, around noon.[3] In view of the inflamed political situation, the accident gave rise to suspicions of sabotage.[4][2]