The military coup leader in Madagascar declared on Wednesday that he is assuming the role of president and that the armed forces will govern the African nation for a period of up to two years before any elections take place. Col. Michael Randrianirina, who spearheaded a rebellion leading to the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina, anticipates being inaugurated as the new leader of the Indian Ocean country shortly.
Randrianirina emphasized the importance of an official oath-taking ceremony to solidify his position, stating that his unit would remain in control for a minimum of 18 months and a maximum of two years. The military’s assumption of power in Madagascar was announced by Randrianirina on Tuesday, following weeks of protests against Rajoelina and his administration by predominantly youth groups identifying themselves as “Gen Z Madagascar.”
The demonstrators have been advocating for improved governance and increased opportunities in a nation grappling with significant poverty issues, echoing similar youth-led movements worldwide. Randrianirina disclosed that he was stepping into the head of state role after the High Constitutional Court of Madagascar extended an invitation in the absence of Rajoelina, who fled the country post-uprising.
The military leader revealed plans to dissolve all institutions except the lower house of parliament and proposed a transitional government led by the military to oversee the country for a maximum of two years before arranging fresh elections. The United Nations reported that at least 22 individuals lost their lives due to the protests in Antananarivo and other major cities of Madagascar, a country with a population of approximately 30 million.
Randrianirina stressed the necessity of swift action to appoint a new prime minister to address the country’s crisis promptly. Rajoelina, who assumed the presidency in 2018, asserted that he fled to a secure location out of fear for his safety following the rebellion by Randrianirina’s soldiers, denouncing the military’s takeover as an illegal coup attempt by a dissenting faction.
Madagascar has been embroiled in multiple coups and attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1960, with persistent challenges related to poverty and corruption. The African Union has suspended Madagascar from its entities until constitutional order is reinstated in the country.
Some experts view the sustained protests in Madagascar as a manifestation of public discontent with government inadequacies and have criticized the military intervention. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concerns over the situation, emphasizing France’s solidarity with the Malagasy people without confirming any involvement in assisting Rajoelina’s departure.