Madagascar’s New Leader Sworn in Following Military Coup
In a swift power move that saw the president ousted and fleeing the country, an army colonel, Col. Michael Randrianirina, was inaugurated as Madagascar’s new leader after a military coup. The ceremony took place at the nation’s High Constitutional Court, with Randrianirina taking the oath in the presence of the court’s nine judges.
The military takeover, announced just three days earlier, drew criticism from the United Nations for being an unconstitutional government change. Despite this, there has been limited international reaction to the events, including from France, Madagascar’s former colonial power.
The coup followed weeks of protests, primarily by young people, leading to Madagascar’s suspension from the African Union. President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country citing safety concerns amid the rebellion, was impeached in absentia by parliament before Randrianirina assumed power.
Randrianirina, previously imprisoned for an attempted mutiny, transitioned from military attire to formal wear for his swearing-in. He now heads a military council set to govern for up to two years before new elections are held, delaying the aspirations of the youth who fueled the uprising against Rajoelina.
Despite concerns over the transition, Madagascar has seen little violence post-takeover, with Randrianirina’s troops receiving public support. The colonel expressed a commitment to restoring the country’s stability and addressing social challenges faced by Malagasy citizens.
While the UN and the African Union have condemned the government change, the situation in Madagascar remains fluid, with the international community closely monitoring developments.
The protests that triggered the coup, mirroring global youth-led movements, highlighted grievances including economic hardships, governmental corruption, and lack of opportunities. Randrianirina capitalized on this discontent to align himself with the demonstrators and seize power peacefully.
In the absence of President Rajoelina, the path ahead for Madagascar is uncertain, with questions lingering about the country’s political future and the impact of the recent upheaval on its population.