Madagascar in Africa map [PHOTO CREDIT: Britannica]

Antananarivo, Madagascar – Madagascar has sworn in military leader Michael Randrianirina as its new president, days after a military coup that toppled President Andry Rajoelina and ended weeks of youth-led protests over economic hardship and government failures.

The inauguration ceremony took place on Thursday at the Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, the nation’s capital, where a large crowd gathered, including military officers, protest leaders, and foreign diplomats.

Mr Randrianirina’s swearing-in follows days of political unrest triggered by severe water and power shortages, rising unemployment, and allegations of corruption under the Rajoelina administration. According to the United Nations, at least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured during the violent demonstrations that swept through several cities.

Defying the African Union

The African Union (AU) swiftly condemned the military takeover, announcing Madagascar’s suspension from the continental body pending a return to constitutional order. Despite this, Mr Randrianirina defended the transition, saying it was “a people’s revolution” rather than a coup.

“Today marks a historic turning point for our country,” Mr Randrianirina said in his inaugural speech, as reported by Al Jazeera. “With a people united by the desire for change and a deep love for their homeland, we open a new chapter in our nation’s history.”

He pledged to work with civil society and political groups to draft a new constitution and electoral laws to guide fresh elections and referendums. The new leader also credited the youth movement for its “courage and patriotism” in leading what he called a “national rebirth.”

Government Dissolution and Power Shift

Following the takeover, the military dissolved most state institutions, including the presidency and the cabinet, while retaining the National Assembly to oversee transitional governance. Mr Randrianirina claimed his assumption of power was legitimate, citing the Constitutional Court’s endorsement of his presidency.

Supporters of the ousted president, however, dismissed the court’s action as unconstitutional and warned that it could deepen political instability in the island nation.

Rajoelina in Exile

Former President Andry Rajoelina, who fled Madagascar after the coup, was evacuated by a French military aircraft to the French island of Réunion before traveling to Dubai, according to media reports. His departure marks the third time a Malagasy leader has gone into exile after being ousted, following Didier Ratsiraka in 2002 and Marc Ravalomanana in 2009.

Madagascar’s Long History of Political Upheaval

This is the third military-led transition in Madagascar since its independence from France in 1960. Previous coups occurred in 1972 and 2009, both followed by years of political instability and international isolation.

Despite its rich natural resources and biodiversity, Madagascar remains one of the world’s poorest countries, with around 80 percent of its 32 million citizens living in poverty, according to the World Bank.

Growing Trend of Military Rule in Africa

For now, Madagascar faces an uncertain future as its new leader attempts to balance public expectations, international pressure, and the demands of a restless youth population eager for reform.