Madagascar’s New Military Ruler Says He Will Be Sworn In as President on Friday

Madagascar’s new military ruler, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, said he will be sworn in as president on Friday, after the African Union suspended the membership of the island nation following a coup to oust President Andry Rajoelina.

Rajoelina, whom lawmakers impeached after he fled abroad during the weekend, has condemned the takeover and refused to step down despite youth-led Gen Z protests asking him to quit and widespread defections in the security forces.

Randrianirina said in a statement late on Wednesday that the High Constitutional Court would perform the ceremony.

“Colonel Michael Randrianirina will be sworn in as the President for the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar during a formal hearing,” he said.

The African Union announced on Wednesday that the bloc had suspended Madagascar with immediate effect following the coup, and called for the restoration of civilian-led governance as well as elections.

Suspension by the 55-member bloc carries political weight and could isolate the country’s new leadership.

Randrianirina said earlier that the military had taken power and dissolved all institutions except the lower house of parliament, or National Assembly.

He also said that a committee led by the military would rule for up to two years alongside a transitional government before organising new elections.

Randrianirina was a commander in the elite CAPSAT army unit that played a key role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power but broke ranks with him last week, urging soldiers not to fire on protesters.

Madagascar’s population of about 30 million people has an average age of less than 20 years. Three-quarters of the people live in poverty. Between its independence in 1960 and 2020, GDP per capita plunged 45%, according to the World Bank.