Africa Madagascar’s Military Leader Sworn In as President Following Coup

The Digest:

Military leader Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as Madagascar’s new president after a military takeover ousted former President Andry Rajoelina. The inauguration, held at the Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, defied the African Union, which suspended Madagascar in response to the seizure of power amid weeks of youth-led protests over economic hardship and governance failures.

Key Points:

• Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as president following a military coup.
• Ousted President Andry Rajoelina fled the country and was later impeached.
• The African Union suspended Madagascar in response to the takeover.
• Weeks of youth-led protests over water and power shortages turned violent.
• At least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured during demonstrations.
• Randrianirina pledged to draft a new constitution and hold fresh elections.
• This marks the third military-led transition in Madagascar since 1960.

As another nation grapples with the tension between popular discontent and constitutional order, the swearing-in reflects the recurring storm of political instability sweeping across former French colonies in Africa.

Sources: Premium Times, Al Jazeera