Michael Randrianirina, commander of CAPSAT, Madagascar’s elite army unit, has been sworn in as the country’s president.
Blaring trumpets, raised swords, and loud cheers welcomed Randrianirina as he took over the role of leading the Indian Ocean island from deposed President Andry Rajoelina, a man he once protected.
Lawmakers impeached Rajoelina this week after he fled the country as pressure from the weeks-long protests mounted.
His abrupt but quiet departure occurred after soldiers defected and joined the protesters who had demanded his resignation.
The African Union (AU) has kicked against the political turmoil in the once relatively peaceful country and has suspended the nation from the bloc.
The United Nations (UN) has also condemned the military takeover.
In the initial days of the protests, the multilateral organisation said at least 22 people were killed, but Madagascar rejected the figures.
Randrianirina’s swearing-in ceremony was held at the constitutional court, an institution he suspended after seizing control.
“I will fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities of my position as president of the Republic of Madagascar,” he said.
“I swear that I will exercise the power entrusted to me and dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity and human rights.”
The CAPSAT unit supported Rajoelina during the 2009 coup that first brought him to power.
He later won the presidential election in 2018, completed a full term and was re-elected in 2023.
Randrianirina had said the military would rule for up to two years, alongside a transitional government, before new elections are organised.
But the constitutional court asked him to hold polls in 60 days in accordance with the law.