Coup Leader Colonel Randrianirina Sworn In as President of Madagascar

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar - Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the military officer who led a recent coup, was officially sworn in as the new President of Madagascar on Friday, formalizing a rapid power grab that unseated the sitting head of state and plunged the island nation into renewed political uncertainty.

Colonel Randrianirina, the commander of the elite Corps d'administration des personnels et des services administratifs et techniques (CAPSAT) army unit, took the oath of office at the nation's High Constitutional Court. His ascent to the presidency comes just days after his unit sided with massive, youth-led "Gen Z" anti-government protests, leading to the ousting and flight of President Andry Rajoelina.

In his inaugural address, the Colonel pledged to usher in a period of national "refoundation" and address the chronic issues of poverty, insecurity, and corruption that fueled the unrest.

A Swift Military Takeover

The power change followed weeks of escalating public demonstrations against the Rajoelina administration, initially sparked by severe water and electricity outages but quickly snowballing into broader anger over the high cost of living, endemic poverty (affecting about 75% of the population), and perceived corruption.

The turning point occurred when Colonel Randrianirina and his CAPSAT troops joined the street protests, defying orders to repress the demonstrators. Following the defection, President Rajoelina fled the country, claiming his life was in danger. Lawmakers in the National Assembly swiftly voted to impeach him, clearing the path for the military to take control.

Colonel Randrianirina has stated that the country will be led by a military-backed transitional council for between 18 months and two years before new elections are held. His statement dissolved nearly all of the country's main institutions, including the Senate and the High Constitutional Court, though the court ultimately confirmed him as the transitional head of state.

International Condemnation

The sudden change in leadership has been met with immediate condemnation from the international community:

• African Union (AU): The continental bloc announced the immediate suspension of Madagascar's membership, stating that it "totally rejects" the unconstitutional change of government and that the "rule of law must prevail over the rule of force."

• United Nations: UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military takeover and called for an immediate return to constitutional order and the rule of law.

The developments mark a turbulent return to Madagascar's history of political instability. Notably, Colonel Randrianirina's CAPSAT unit was the same military force that helped bring the now-ousted President Rajoelina to power in a 2009 coup.