Richard Ratsimandrava (March 21, 1931 – February 11, 1975) was President of Madagascar for six days in February 1975. A graduate of the French military college in Saint Cyr, Ratsimandrava served throughout French Africa before returning to Madagascar when that country gained independence in 1960. He joined the army, attaining the rank of lieutenant-colonel by 1968. In 1972 President Gabriel Ramanantsoa established a military government to replace the independence government of Philibert Tsiranana, and Ratsimandrava was appointed Minister of the Interior. In this position, he was able to manipulate the army, which led to the ousting of Ramanantsoa on February 5, 1975. Six days later Ratsimandrava was assassinated while driving from the presidential palace to his home. The event nearly plunged the country into civil war between supporters of the military government and former President Tsiranana. March 21 is the 80th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (81st in leap years). ... 1931 is a common year starting on Thursday. ... February 11 is the 42nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1975 was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1975 calendar). ... This page contains a list of presidents of Madagascar. ... February is the second month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM, Special Military School of St Cyr) is the foremost French military academy. ... Saint-Cyr can refer to: cole Sp ciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, a French military academy. ... 1960 was a leap year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1968 was a leap year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1968 calendar). ... 1972 was a leap year that started on a Saturday. ... The Interior Minister is a member of a Cabinet in a Government. ... February 5 is the 36th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1975 was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1975 calendar). ...