Madagascar’s Colonel to be Sworn In as President After Coup

UPDATE: A dramatic power shift is unfolding in Madagascar as Col. Michael Randrianirina prepares to be sworn in as the country’s new president today, following a swift military coup that ousted the former leader, Andry Rajoelina. The ceremony is set to take place at the High Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, with military preparations already underway.

Just three days ago, Randrianirina, who leads an elite army unit, declared that the armed forces were taking control of the island nation, home to approximately 30 million people. His ascent comes in the wake of escalating protests that demanded Rajoelina’s resignation, largely fueled by young citizens frustrated with persistent economic hardships and government corruption.

The military takeover, which has been met with international condemnation, including a suspension from the African Union, raises significant concerns about the future of governance in Madagascar. Rajoelina’s current whereabouts remain unknown after he fled the country, citing threats to his life as loyal soldiers mounted a rebellion led by Randrianirina.

As preparations at the court continue, with soldiers securing the area, Randrianirina is poised to take the oath of office in what is likely to be a pivotal moment for Madagascar’s political landscape. The colonel has indicated that his administration will be governed by a military council for a period of 18 months to 2 years before any elections are held. This delay could profoundly impact the aspirations of the youth who sparked the uprising against Rajoelina.

The protests, which began last month, echo similar movements around the globe, particularly among Gen Z activists. Young people initially gathered to voice their frustrations over regular water and power outages but quickly expanded their demands to address rising living costs and rampant corruption. Randrianirina capitalized on this momentum, aligning himself with the protesters and ultimately leading the military coup.

In a recent interview, Randrianirina affirmed, “From now on, we will restore the country to its former glory, fight against insecurity, and gradually try to solve the social problems that Malagasy people experience.” This statement reflects a commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing the nation, where approximately 75% of the population lives in poverty, as reported by the World Bank.

Following a brief confrontation between Randrianirina’s forces and loyal security personnel, the situation remained relatively peaceful, with many citizens celebrating the military’s takeover. As Randrianirina takes office, the immediate future of Madagascar remains uncertain, with the potential for both stability and unrest.

The swearing-in ceremony marks a significant turning point in Madagascar’s ongoing struggle with political instability, a history marred by coups and attempted coups. Observers worldwide will be closely monitoring the developments as the new leadership begins to take shape.

Stay tuned for more updates on this rapidly evolving situation in Madagascar.