Madagascar’s military coup leader ‘taking position of president’
Colonel Michael Randrianirina is assuming leadership at the invitation of the High Constitutional Court due to President Andry Rajoelina’s absence
Madagascar’s military coup leader said on Wednesday that he is “taking the position of president”.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led a rebellion by soldiers that ousted President Andry Rajoelina, said he expected to be sworn in as the Indian Ocean country’s new leader in the next few days.
Randrianirina announced on Tuesday that the armed forces were taking power in Madagascar, capping weeks of protests against Rajoelina and his government by mainly youth groups.
He said he was taking the role as head of state after the country’s High Constitutional Court invited him to do so in the absence of Rajoelina, who fled Madagascar following the uprising.
“There must be an oath-taking” to make his position official, Randrianirina said.
In a day of turmoil for the nation off southern Africa’s coast, the 51-year-old leader, whose whereabouts were unknown, earlier on Tuesday sought to dissolve the lower house by decree.