Madagascar coup leader breaks news through AP that he is “taking the position of president”

By Brian Inganga and Nqobile Ntshangase

Kenya-based photographer Brian Inganga and South Africa senior producer Nqobile Ntshangase deployed to Madagascar as a military coup unfolded and ended up delivering an exclusive news break that led the story around the world.

While photographing anti-government protests, Inganga noticed a line of armored vehicles arriving and learned that Col. Michael Randrianirina, the coup leader, was inside one. Weaving through the crowd and heavily armed soldiers, Inganga introduced himself to the colonel, got his phone number, and secured a promise of an interview.

The number initially didn’t work, but Inganga persisted. The next day, after Randrianirina publicly announced the military takeover, Inganga was finally able to reach him and schedule an interview. Inganga and Ntshangase made their way to the colonel’s barracks with an interpreter, negotiating their way past several military roadblocks.

Inside the colonel’s office, Randrianirina gave the AP his first interview since seizing power, stating he would “take the position of president” and be sworn in soon — a significant global scoop. The colonel later held a press conference to announce what he had told the AP first.

Judges were impressed by the team’s tenacity, courage and resourcefulness in securing a world-leading exclusive.

For reinforcing AP’s strength as a breaking news organization, Inganga and Ntshangase are honored with Best of the Week — First Winner.