Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the military leader who seized control of Madagascar earlier this week, was sworn in as president on Friday amid scenes of celebration from his supporters and condemnation from the international community.
Trumpets blared and swords were raised as Randrianirina took the oath at the High Constitutional Court, vowing to “defend and strengthen national unity and human rights.”
His rise follows weeks of youth-led “Gen Z” protests over chronic power and water shortages that toppled President Andry Rajoelina, who fled abroad and was subsequently impeached by lawmakers.
Despite the High Constitutional Court ratifying the army takeover, Rajoelina has refused to step down while in exile.
Randrianirina announced that a military-led committee would govern alongside a transitional administration for up to two years before fresh elections.
The African Union and the United Nations have both condemned the coup, urging a return to constitutional order.
Madagascar’s political instability has long been tied to deep poverty and inequality.
Despite rich natural resources, including vanilla and nickel, three-quarters of its 30 million citizens live below the poverty line, and GDP per capita has halved since independence, leaving the nation mired in cycles of unrest.
