An army colonel, Michael Randrianirina, has taken power in Madagascar after leading a swift military coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina, who has fled the country claiming his life was in danger.
Randrianirina, commander of an elite army unit, was sworn in as president just three days after announcing the military takeover. The move followed weeks of youth-led protests over corruption, economic hardship, and poor living conditions.
The United Nations and African Union have condemned the coup as unconstitutional, with the AU suspending Madagascar. Randrianirina, once jailed for attempted mutiny, says the country will be run by a military council for up to two years before new elections.
Despite international criticism, the coup has been welcomed by many citizens, who see it as a chance for change in a nation long plagued by political instability, poverty, and repeated coups since independence from France in 1960.
