Madagascar Military Leader Sworn in as President after Youth-Led Protests

Col Randrianirina was head of Madagascar’s elite CAPSAT army unit, when on Tuesday his troops joined the thousands of protesters on the streets of the capital.

He told the Gen Z demonstrators he was taking power and that the military would form a government and hold elections within two years.

Pro-democracy advocates, both inside and outside the country, hope that this promise will be fulfilled.

At the ceremony at the country’s top court, Reuters news agency reports that trumpets blared after Randrianirina took his oath of office, promising to “dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity and human rights”.

Wearing an official sash and star of office, he reaffirmed his commitment to change, according to AFP.

“With a people in full fervour, driven by the desire for change… we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation.

“We will work hand in hand with all the driving forces of the nation to draft a fine constitution,” he said, adding that electoral reforms would be instituted before a new vote was held.

“We are committed to breaking with the past. Our main mission is to thoroughly reform the country’s administrative, socio-economic and political systems of governance.” BBC