An army colonel orchestrated a swift military coup to become Madagascar’s new leader on Friday, displacing the president and forcing him to go into hiding. Col. Michael Randrianirina, the head of an elite army unit, was inaugurated as the new president at a ceremony in front of the nation’s High Constitutional Court judges.
The transfer of power occurred just three days after Col. Randrianirina declared the military’s assumption of control over the Indian Ocean island, following weeks of protests by young people against the government. Despite the United Nations deeming the military intervention unconstitutional, there has been limited international reaction, including from France, Madagascar’s former colonial power.
President Andry Rajoelina’s current whereabouts are unknown, as he fled the country citing safety concerns amid the soldiers’ rebellion led by Col. Randrianirina. Rajoelina was impeached by parliament in his absence shortly before the military takeover was announced.
Col. Randrianirina, approximately 50 or 51 years old, transitioned from military attire to a formal suit for his oath-taking ceremony, attended by military officials, civilian authorities, and foreign diplomats. Having briefly been imprisoned two years earlier for a failed mutiny attempt, he now leads Madagascar amidst widespread poverty affecting 75% of the population, according to the World Bank.
The country, plagued by political instability since independence in 1960, has experienced economic decline and corruption over the years. Rajoelina himself rose to power through a military-backed coup in 2009. Col. Randrianirina has outlined plans for a military council to govern for 18 to 24 months before new elections, extending the wait for young protesters seeking change.
Despite the takeover, Madagascar has seen minimal violence, with Randrianirina’s troops receiving public support. The colonel described the military’s actions as a patriotic duty to address insecurity and social issues plaguing the Malagasy people. While the UN and African Union have criticized the unconstitutional change of government, the situation remains unresolved.