Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led the country after a military coup, will be sworn in as interim head of state on Friday. This was stated by the authorities of Madagascar.
According to local media, the ceremony will take place at the Supreme Constitutional Court, where Randrianirina will officially take office as “president of the transitional period.” It is noted that the event will mark the beginning of the “process of national restoration” provided for by the interim constitutional declaration.
The Colonel said that during the transition period, public order will be restored, a new constitution will be prepared and elections will be organized, after which power will be transferred to a civilian government.
From protests to the seizure of power
Mass demonstrations in in Madagascar began in late September due to power and water shortages, but soon escalated into anti-government protests. During the clashes, 22 people were killed and hundreds were injured. Some of the military expressed solidarity with the protesters, which deepened the split within the ruling structures.
According to French radio RFI on October 13, President Andry Rajoelina left the country on board an aircraft belonging to the French armed forces.
The next day, October 14, Rajoelina announced the dissolution of the National Assembly, however Parliament quickly met in an extraordinary session and voted to remove him from office.
After weeks of mass protests, the military under the command of Colonel Michael Randrianirina entered the presidential palace and announced the seizure of power, as well as the suspension of the constitution.
The Military Committee ordered the temporary suspension of all government activities institutions other than the National Assembly.