Colonel Michael Randrianirina, leader of the recent coup in Madagascar, was sworn in on Friday as the country’s new president following the military takeover that ousted former President Andry Rajoelina.
Rajoelina, who fled abroad over the weekend amid youth-led protests, was later impeached by lawmakers. He has since condemned the coup and refused to recognise the new leadership, despite widespread defections within the security forces.
Both the African Union and UN Secretary-General António Guterres have strongly denounced the military takeover, which followed weeks of “Gen Z” protests demanding political reform.
At a ceremony held at the High Constitutional Court, Randrianirina took the oath of office, pledging to uphold national unity and human rights.
“I will fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities of my position as President of the Republic of Madagascar,” he declared.
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The new leader announced that the military had dissolved all state institutions except the National Assembly. He added that a transitional committee led by the armed forces would govern alongside a provisional civilian administration for up to two years before fresh elections are held.
Randrianirina, a former commander of the elite CAPSAT army unit involved in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power, recently broke ranks with his former ally, urging soldiers not to open fire on protesters.
Madagascar, a nation of about 30 million people with an average age below 20, continues to face severe economic hardship. According to the World Bank, GDP per capita fell by 45% between independence in 1960 and 2020, with three-quarters of its citizens living in poverty.
