Madagascar’s new military ruler, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, announced that he will be sworn in as president on Friday, days after the African Union (AU) suspended the island nation following a coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina.
Rajoelina, who fled abroad over the weekend before lawmakers voted to impeach him, has rejected the military takeover and vowed not to step down. His ouster followed youth-led Gen Z protests demanding his resignation and a wave of defections within the security forces.
In a statement late Wednesday, Randrianirina said the swearing-in ceremony would be conducted by the High Constitutional Court.
“Colonel Michael Randrianirina will be sworn in as the President for the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar during a formal hearing,” the statement read.
The AU announced Madagascar’s immediate suspension on Wednesday, urging a swift return to civilian rule and the organization of democratic elections. The suspension by the 55-member bloc carries significant political implications and could further isolate the country’s new leadership.
Randrianirina previously declared that the military had assumed control, dissolving all state institutions except the National Assembly. He added that a military-led committee, together with a transitional government, would oversee the country for up to two years before holding new elections.
A former commander of the elite CAPSAT unit, Randrianirina was involved in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power. However, he broke ranks with Rajoelina last week, urging troops not to fire on demonstrators.
Home to about 30 million people, Madagascar has a predominantly young population, with an average age below 20. Roughly three-quarters of its citizens live in poverty, and between 1960 and 2020, the nation’s GDP per capita fell by 45%, according to World Bank data.
Source:Africa Publicity
