Madagascar Putsch Leader Says He’s "Taking the Position of President"

The leader of Madagascar’s military rebellion has declared that he is “taking the position of president,” adding that the armed forces would lead the Indian Ocean nation for up to two years before holding new elections, Brian Inganga, Nqobile Ntshangase, and Gerald Imray reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Randrianirina said he is taking on the role of head of state after the country’s High Constitutional Court invited him to do so in Rajoelina’s absence. (Photo: Lemurbaby Wikimedia Commons)

Col. Michael Randrianirina, who led a mutiny that ousted President Andry Rajoelina, said he expects to be sworn in as the country’s new leader within the next few days.

“There must be an oath-taking to make my position official,” Randrianirina said in an interview while flanked by other military officers. “We are staying here for at least 18 months, at most two years.”

Randrianirina announced earlier in the week that the armed forces were taking control of Madagascar, capping weeks of protests against Rajoelina’s government by mostly young demonstrators calling themselves “Gen Z Madagascar.”

The protesters have demanded better governance and more economic opportunities in a country struggling with deep poverty — echoing youth-led movements elsewhere in the world.

The unrest reached a turning point on Saturday when Randrianirina and soldiers from his elite CAPSAT military unit joined the demonstrations calling for Rajoelina’s resignation, forcing the president to flee the country.

The military’s announcement that it was assuming power as a council of officers was met with celebrations by protesters who began the uprising last month.

Randrianirina said he is taking on the role of head of state after the country’s High Constitutional Court invited him to do so in Rajoelina’s absence.