Military Coup in Madagascar: Colonel Sworn in as New President
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) — A rapid military coup has resulted in Colonel Michael Randrianirina being sworn in as the new leader of Madagascar, following the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina, who has since fled the country.
Col. Randrianirina, who leads an elite army unit, took his presidential oath at a ceremony held in the High Constitutional Court, attended by nine judges clad in red robes. This swift change in leadership occurred just three days after he declared that the armed forces would be taking control of the nation, as protests against the government erupted.
The protests, driven largely by the youth, began over issues like consistent power and water outages and evolved to encompass grievances about rising living costs and allegations of corruption among the elite. The military takeover has been met with condemnation from the United Nations, which labeled it an unconstitutional shift in governance.
Despite the fallout from the coup, there has been little international reaction, with Madagascar’s former colonial power, France, remaining relatively silent. Following the takeover, the African Union suspended Madagascar from its membership.
Rajoelina’s fate remains uncertain after he reportedly escaped aboard a French military aircraft to avoid potential threats to his life. Upon his departure, he was impeached by parliament, coinciding with Randrianirina’s announcement of military control.
Randrianirina, aged about 50, traded his military uniform for formal attire during the swearing-in ceremony, which featured a military salute. The colonel intends to govern through a military council and has suggested a wait of up to two years before new elections are held, delaying the ability for young Malagasy to elect a new leader.
The colonel claims that the military’s intervention aims to restore the country’s stability and address social challenges. He has promised to enhance security and tackle pressing issues affecting the Malagasy populace, granting him support from many citizens eager for reform.
