Madagascar’s military ruler Colonel Michael Randrianirina will be sworn in as president soon after leading a coup to oust President Andry Rajoelina.
Randrianirina announced that the military has taken power, dissolving all institutions except the lower house of parliament.
He stated that a committee led by the military will rule for up to two years alongside a transitional government before organizing new elections.
The coup follows weeks of protests led by Gen Z demonstrators demanding Rajoelina’s resignation over government failures, including frequent power outages and water shortages.
Rajoelina, who was impeached by lawmakers, has condemned the takeover and refused to step down. He fled Madagascar on Sunday, believed to be headed to Dubai.
Randrianirina, a commander in the elite CAPSAT army unit, broke ranks with Rajoelina last week, urging soldiers not to fire on protesters.
The military takeover has raised concerns about the country’s stability, with the African Union calling an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.
Madagascar, an island nation with a population of about 30 million, has struggled with poverty and corruption, with many citizens frustrated over the lack of essential services.
The country’s GDP per capita has plunged 45% since independence in 1960.
