Madagascar’s coup leader Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as president on Friday.
He is taking over after the military took power in the island nation this week following youth-led protests that forced Andry Rajoelina to flee.
Rajoelina was impeached by lawmakers after he fled abroad. He has condemned the takeover and refused to step down despite widespread defections in the security forces.
The African Union and the United Nations have all condemned the coup, which came after weeks of “Gen Z” protests.
At his swearing in Randrianirina said “I will fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities of my position as President of the Republic of Madagascar.”
Randrianirina was sworn in at a ceremony at the High Constitutional Court. “I swear that I will exercise the power entrusted to me and dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity and human rights,” he added.
Randrianirina had said that a committee led by the military would rule for up to two years alongside a transitional government before organising new elections.
Randrianirina was a commander in the elite CAPSAT army unit that played a role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power but broke ranks with him last week, urging soldiers not to fire on protesters.
