Joël Rakotomalala (Toliara Province, 29 March 1929 – Antsirabe, 30 July 1976) was a Malagasy military officer and politician.
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 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.
[1] 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.
[3] In view of the inflamed political situation, the accident gave rise to suspicions of sabotage.