Rainivoninahitriniony

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Rainivoninahitriniony (died May 5, 1868) was prime minister of the Kingdom of Madagascar between 1852 and 1865, serving in that capacity with Rainijohari.

Rainivoninahitriniony's original name was Raharo; he succeeded Rainihar, his father, in the position which the elder man once held^[1] under Tsimiamboholahy, chief of Hova. He had previously been a general best known for putting down a revolt of the Antefasy and Antesaka in the southeast of the island in 1852. He gained notice for his talents as an administrator and for his ability to work in the best interests of the State. His career ended when, after having fruitlessly begged King Radama II to reconsider his decision legalizing duels, he chose to lead the plot to assassinate the king; his further justification was that he wished to stop the anarchy into which the country was then descending. He also wished to denounce the Lambert Charter, which had given the French access to all resources in the north of Madagascar.

Nevertheless, Rainivoninahitriniony's regicide made him deeply unpopular, as did his policies designed to rectify what he saw as the errors of the monarchy. In July 1864 he was forced to give up his command of the Army, transferring it to his younger brother, Rainilaiarivony. In February 1865 he was convinced to take part in a plot against Rasoherina, which failed; consequently he lost his post as Prime Minister.

Rainivoninahitriniony died in exile in Ambohimandroso, in the Betsileo country, in 1868.