Colonel Michael Randrianirina Assumes Madagascar Presidency Following Military Coup

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of Madagascar's elite CAPSAT military unit, was sworn in as president on Friday following a swift military coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina. The coup was precipitated by weeks of youth-led protests over issues such as power outages, rising living costs, and widespread poverty.

Randrianirina, who previously served as governor of the Androy region and has been a vocal critic of Rajoelina, led his soldiers in joining the protests, calling for the president's resignation. His public appearance atop an armored vehicle during the demonstrations marked his emergence as the leader of the uprising.

The United Nations and the African Union have condemned the military takeover, with the latter suspending Madagascar's membership.

Randrianirina has announced plans for a transitional military government to lead the country for up to two years before organizing elections. He has pledged to address the grievances that led to the protests, including tackling power and water shortages, and to uphold national unity and human rights.

The whereabouts of former President Rajoelina remain unknown after he fled the country citing threats to his life.