By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Colonel Michael Randrianirina who led a coup that ousted a democratically elected government in Madagascar was on Friday sworn in as the President where he promised to drive reforms that will strengthen national unity and human rights.
“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,” Randrianirina said during a ceremony at the High Constitutional Court, a colonial-era red-brick building of French windows, segmental arches and stone balustrades.
“I will fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities of my position as President of the Republic of Madagascar,” he stated as the military raised swords and blew trumpets to mark the handover.
His inauguration came days after taking control of the island nation in the wake of youth-led protests that forced out his predecessor, Andry Rajoelina.
Rajoelina was earlier imleached at the parliament after he fled the country to an undisclosed destination at the weekend.
Speaking from his hideout, Rajoelina condemned the takeover and refused to step down despite losing support among the security forces. The High Constitutional Court has also backed the army takeover just hours after it happened.
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.
Randrianirina has said that a committee led by the military will rule for up to two years alongside a transitional government before organising new elections.
Randrianirina is a commander in the elite CAPSAT army unit that played a role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power, although he was not involved in that putsch himself. He broke ranks with the president during the protests, urging soldiers not to fire on protesters and offering to protect them.
Despite exports of prized commodities such as vanilla, nickel, sapphires and the white pigment ilmenite, the Indian Ocean island’s average income is barely $600 a year, while prices of basic goods such as the staple rice have increased.
