Colonel Michel Randrianarina was sworn in as president of Madagascar on Friday, after seizing power in a military coup following youth-led protests.
The military takeover has been condemned by the United Nations and the African Union, which has suspended Madagascar’s membership.
Ousted President Andrey Rajoelina fled Madagascar, claiming his life was in danger. Randrianarina was impeached in absentia on Tuesday after the military announced it was taking power.
Protests against Rajoelina led to the coup
The occupation followed three weeks of anti-government protests, mostly by young people.
They were protesting against frequent power and water cuts and widespread poverty.
The protesters gained momentum when the Randrianariña’s military unit, the Corps d’Administration des Personnel et des Services Administratifs et Techniques (CAPSAT), mutinied and joined their ranks.
Madagascar ranks among the bottom ten in the United Nations’ Human Development Index. According to the World Bank, in 2022, three-quarters of its 30 million people would live below the poverty line. Only 36% have access to electricity, which is unreliable due to frequent daily outages.
more to come…