By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Newly sworn-in Madagascar’s military leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina on Monday named businessman and consultant Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the Prime Minister of island nation
Randrianirina was sworn in as President on Friday, days after his predecessor, Andry Rajoelina was forced to flee the country in the wake of youth-led protests.
Explaining his choice of Rajaonarivelo as Prime Minister, Randrianirina cited his experience and “connections with the international organisations that work with us”.
He had promised that the military will rule alongside a civilian government for up to two years before organising new elections.
Ex-leader Rajoelina, who was impeached by the parliament after he fled the country has condemned the coup from exile.
High Constitutional Court had ratified the takeover just few hours after it happened, giving the coup leader the legitimacy to rule.
“I will fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities of my position as President of the Republic of Madagascar,” he promised during his inauguration.
The African Union and the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have condemned the coup. The weeks of “Gen Z” protests that removed the Rajoelina’s government was sparked by severe shortage of power and water.
While many of the youths cheered the demise of Rajoelina, who came to office in a 2009 coup, some are already expressing misgivings about the swiftness with which the army stepped in to fill the power vacuum.
