Col Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as the new president of Madagascar days after a military takeover on the Indian Ocean nation. He swapped his fatigues for a suit and thanked the young people who took to the streets for weeks of protests that prompted President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country and led to his impeachment.
The ceremony took place at the Constitutional Court in the capital, Antananarivo, where a large crowd gathered to watch - including those who spearheaded the demonstrations. Today marks a historic turning-point for our country. With a people in full fervour, driven by the desire for change... we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation, he said.
The former French colony now enters a transition period filled with political obstacles and legal uncertainty, though there is cautious optimism about Col Randrianirina's leadership. Constitutional Court president Florent Rakotoarisoa criticized the international community for labeling Madagascar's situation as a coup, denying any constitutional violations and blaming the constitution itself for the country's issues.
Protesters initially hoped Rajoelina would resign and allow for a smooth transition. Instead, he clung to power, dissolving his government and holding dialogues that failed to appease the public. The protests, initiated by the youth movement Gen Z Mada, were sparked by anger over ongoing power and water shortages.
Col Randrianirina, formerly head of Madagascar's elite CAPSAT army unit, pledged that military governance would only last until elections could be held within two years. After his swearing-in, he detailed priorities including investigating the state-owned utility Jirama and reforms in agriculture and governance.
Lastly, signs of a shift in Madagascar's foreign relations suggest a warming towards Russia amidst nostalgia for stronger alliances outside traditional partners like France.
The ceremony took place at the Constitutional Court in the capital, Antananarivo, where a large crowd gathered to watch - including those who spearheaded the demonstrations. Today marks a historic turning-point for our country. With a people in full fervour, driven by the desire for change... we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation, he said.
The former French colony now enters a transition period filled with political obstacles and legal uncertainty, though there is cautious optimism about Col Randrianirina's leadership. Constitutional Court president Florent Rakotoarisoa criticized the international community for labeling Madagascar's situation as a coup, denying any constitutional violations and blaming the constitution itself for the country's issues.
Protesters initially hoped Rajoelina would resign and allow for a smooth transition. Instead, he clung to power, dissolving his government and holding dialogues that failed to appease the public. The protests, initiated by the youth movement Gen Z Mada, were sparked by anger over ongoing power and water shortages.
Col Randrianirina, formerly head of Madagascar's elite CAPSAT army unit, pledged that military governance would only last until elections could be held within two years. After his swearing-in, he detailed priorities including investigating the state-owned utility Jirama and reforms in agriculture and governance.
Lastly, signs of a shift in Madagascar's foreign relations suggest a warming towards Russia amidst nostalgia for stronger alliances outside traditional partners like France.
