Antananarivo, Madagascar – Oct 17 (AP) – Colonel Michael Randrianirina is poised to be inaugurated as Madagascar's new leader following a swift military coup that deposed President Andry Rajoelina, who has since fled the country.
Colonel Randrianirina, commanding an elite army unit, will be sworn in at Madagascar's High Constitutional Court as announced through state media. This event follows the colonel's declaration just three days prior, announcing the military's takeover of the island nation of approximately 30 million people, located off Africa's eastern coast in the Indian Ocean.
Early Friday saw preparations at the High Constitutional Court, with increased security presence as soldiers guarded the entrances and officials began arriving, suggesting the ceremony would take place in the court's main chamber.
The military's seizure of power occurred after three weeks of anti-government demonstrations, primarily led by young protestors. It has been condemned by the United Nations and prompted Madagascar’s suspension from the African Union.
President Rajoelina's current whereabouts remain unknown. He reportedly left the country claiming threats to his safety amid the rebellion by soldiers loyal to Randrianirina. Subsequently, parliament impeached Rajoelina on Tuesday, just before Randrianirina's forces claimed power.
Randrianirina, who rose to prominence from obscurity, initiated the rebellion with his CAPSAT military unit. He was previously detained for an attempted mutiny two years ago, spending much of his three-month detention in a military hospital.
Known for its high poverty rates affecting 75% of the population, Madagascar has a history of political tumult since its independence from France in 1960, with several coups marking its history.
Rajoelina initially assumed power in 2009 through a coup supported by the military. Randrianirina has announced that a military council under his leadership will govern for 18 months to two years before conducting elections, delaying youth activists' aspirations to elect a new leader.
The recent protests, echoing other Gen Z-led movements in countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka, surfaced last month. They began in response to frequent water and power outages and evolved to spotlight issues like living costs, lack of opportunities, and alleged government corruption.
Amidst rising dissent, Randrianirina joined the protests, siding against Rajoelina. Although there was a brief skirmish between his soldiers and security forces loyal to the president—resulting in the death of a CAPSAT soldier—there has been no widespread violence. The general populace has welcomed Randrianirina's forces.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Randrianirina described the military's action as a step toward civic and patriotic duty. He affirmed a commitment to restore the nation’s former prosperity and address security and societal challenges.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has denounced the unconstitutional government change, urging a return to constitutional order and legal governance, as communicated by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
Thus far, international reaction has been muted, including from Madagascar's former colonial power, France.
Antananarivo, Madagascar – Oct 17 (AP) – Colonel Michael Randrianirina is poised to be inaugurated as Madagascar's new leader following a swift military coup that deposed President Andry Rajoelina, who has since fled the country.
Colonel Randrianirina, commanding an elite army unit, will be sworn in at Madagascar's High Constitutional Court as announced through state media. This event follows the colonel's declaration just three days prior, announcing the military's takeover of the island nation of approximately 30 million people, located off Africa's eastern coast in the Indian Ocean.
Early Friday saw preparations at the High Constitutional Court, with increased security presence as soldiers guarded the entrances and officials began arriving, suggesting the ceremony would take place in the court's main chamber.
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