Madagascar on Friday swore in army colonel, Michael Randrianirina as president a few days after a military power grab that sent ex-president Andry Rajoelina fleeing and raised international alarm about a new coup on the island.
Randrianirina reportedly led the CAPSAT army unit that mutinied and joined anti-government protesters before announcing that the military had taken over after Rajoelina was impeached for desertion of duty on Tuesday.
“Today marks a historic turning point for our country.
“We will work hand in hand with all the driving forces of the nation to draft a fine constitution… and to agree on new electoral laws for the organisation of elections and referendums,” he said.
He also appreciated the youth for spearheading the protests that ousted Rajoelina, saying that the army had intervened at the request of the top court to “avoid anarchy and disorder”.
The ceremony in the capital Antananarivo was attended by military officers, politicians, representatives of the Gen Z youth-led protest movement and several foreign delegations including from the United States, the European Union, Russia and France.
Amid international criticism, including from the United Nations, Randrianirina has been eager to officialise his new role and insisted the takeover was not a coup, pointing to the constitutional court’s backing.
