Philibert Tsiranana ( 18 October 1912 -- 16 April 1978 ) was a Malagasy politician and leader , who served as the first President of Madagascar from 1959 to 1972 .
Philibert Tsiranana ( 18 October 1912 -- 16 April 1978 ) was a Malagasy politician and leader . He served as the first President of Madagascar from 1959 to 1972 .