Madagascar’s new military ruler, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, announced that he will be sworn in as president on Friday, following a military coup that ousted civilian leader Andry Rajoelina and triggered swift international condemnation.
In a statement released late Wednesday, Randrianirina said the High Constitutional Court would preside over his swearing-in ceremony as “President for the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar.”
The colonel, who led the recent military takeover, said he was open to dialogue with the African Union (AU), which immediately suspended Madagascar’s membership after the coup.
The 55-member AU bloc called for the restoration of civilian-led governance and the holding of free and fair elections, denouncing the army’s seizure of power.
“From now on, there will be behind-the-scenes negotiations, we’ll see how things unfold,” Randrianirina said during a press conference on Thursday, adding that the AU’s suspension “was expected.”
The ousted president, Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country over the weekend amid mass youth-led protests demanding his resignation, has refused to step down.
Lawmakers subsequently voted to impeach him, citing a leadership vacuum.
Randrianirina confirmed that the military had dissolved all government institutions except the National Assembly, and would oversee a two-year transition alongside a provisional administration before organizing new elections.
International organizations have condemned the military’s move. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called the takeover “an unconstitutional change of government,” urging all Malagasy actors, including the youth, to work together to restore stability and democracy.
“The United Nations stands ready to support national efforts towards that goal,” UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said.
Randrianirina, a former commander of the elite CAPSAT unit, was previously involved in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power.
However, he broke ranks with the president last week, calling on troops not to fire on protesters during escalating demonstrations.
Madagascar, a nation of about 30 million people, faces deep economic challenges, with three-quarters of its population living in poverty and an average age below 20.
The World Bank reports that the country’s GDP per capita has fallen by 45% since independence in 1960.
As the country enters another period of political uncertainty, regional leaders and the international community are urging restraint and a swift return to constitutional order.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
