Madagascar’s military leader, Michael Randrianirina, has been sworn in as the new president, replacing the ousted Andry Rajoelina following a military coup that came after weeks of widespread, violent, youth-led protests over economic hardship, an action that defied the African Union’s suspension
Madagascar has inaugurated military leader Michael Randrianirina as its new president days after a coup that toppled President Andry Rajoelina. Rajoelina, who fled the country, was impeached following weeks of intense youth-led protests over crippling water and power shortages.
Randrianirina was sworn in at the Constitutional Court in the capital, an act that defied the African Union (AU), which has already suspended Madagascar’s membership. The new president denied staging a coup, citing the court’s endorsement as legitimacy.
In his inaugural speech, Randrianirina declared, “Today marks a historic turning point for our country.” He also pledged to draft a new constitution and electoral laws to guide fresh elections, stating, “We are committed to breaking with the past.”
The military takeover comes after the youth-led demonstrations turned violent, leaving at least 22 people dead, according to the United Nations.